UPDATE: In a stunning defeat, the UCLA Bruins were overwhelmed by the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, losing 48-10 on November 11, 2023, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The Bruins struggled significantly without their star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, sidelined due to concussion symptoms just days before the game.
Luke Duncan, making his first career start, faced a daunting challenge against Ohio State’s powerful defense. The Bruins were outmatched from the outset, falling behind 27-0 by halftime as Ohio State scored on its first five drives. Duncan, despite a conservative game plan designed to minimize risk, could not spark the struggling UCLA offense.
Throughout the game, UCLA was dominated, gaining only 222 yards compared to Ohio State’s impressive 440 yards. The Bruins managed to score late in the third quarter, but it was a fleeting moment of hope overshadowed by the Buckeyes’ relentless offensive onslaught.
“It was tough to watch. We just didn’t have the momentum we needed,” said Duncan, who completed 16 of 23 passes for 154 yards and one touchdown.
UCLA’s defense showed brief flashes of effectiveness, including a sack by linebacker Jalen Woods that halted an early Buckeyes drive. However, the only notable highlight for the Bruins was a 51-yard pass completion to wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. late in the third quarter, leading to an 18-yard touchdown from Duncan to Kwazi Gilmer.
Ohio State’s performance was punctuated by standout plays, including a remarkable one-handed catch by wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and a thrilling 19-yard touchdown run by running back James Peoples, who leaped over a defender. Their dominance was further emphasized when a UCLA punt inadvertently struck a Buckeyes player, leading to an easy field goal just before halftime.
Quarterback Julian Sayin excelled for Ohio State, completing his first 11 passes and finishing with 184 yards and one touchdown. The Buckeyes’ running back Bo Jackson added to the Bruins’ misery with 112 rushing yards and a touchdown of his own.
As the game wound down, UCLA made a symbolic move by allowing Madden Iamaleava to make his collegiate debut in relief of Duncan. This gesture highlighted the depth of the Bruins’ struggles as they faced their fifth loss of the season, dropping to 3-7 overall and 3-4 in the Big Ten.
The loss raises significant questions about UCLA’s strategy moving forward, especially concerning the absence of Iamaleava, who was ruled out following a series of heavy hits the previous week against Nebraska. With their star quarterback sidelined, the Bruins must regroup quickly as they prepare for the remainder of the season.
As Ohio State continues its quest for an undefeated season, the Bruins will need to reassess their approach if they hope to salvage their campaign. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how UCLA responds in the coming weeks.
