BREAKING: UCLA faced a crushing defeat against top-ranked Ohio State, losing 48-10 on October 28, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. The Bruins struggled significantly in their first game without star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who was sidelined due to concussion symptoms.
In his first career start, backup quarterback Luke Duncan faced an uphill battle against one of college football’s most formidable teams. The absence of Iamaleava left UCLA’s offense severely hampered, and Duncan’s conservative game plan was not enough to counter Ohio State’s relentless attack.
Ohio State scored on its first five drives, showcasing their dominance with a commanding 27-0 lead at halftime. The Bruins could only muster a few highlights amidst the onslaught, including a sack by linebacker Jalen Woods and a late touchdown pass from Duncan to Kwazi Gilmer in the third quarter. However, even this moment of positivity was quickly overshadowed when Ohio State’s Lorenzo Styles Jr. returned the ensuing kickoff for a 100-yard touchdown, pushing the score to 34-7.
The statistics were stark: UCLA was outgained 440-222 in total yardage, even as their defense tightened in the second half. Duncan completed 16 of 23 passes for 154 yards and one touchdown, avoiding any sacks thanks to an offensive line that held up despite missing key player Garrett DiGiorgio.
Ohio State’s offensive prowess was on full display, with running back Bo Jackson rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Julian Sayin completed his first 11 passes for 184 yards before being substituted late in the game. The Buckeyes’ impressive performance captivated the crowd of 104,168, who witnessed standout plays, including a one-handed grab by wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and a highlight-reel hurdle by running back James Peoples.
The emotional toll of the game was palpable as Duncan stepped onto the field, with Iamaleava, wearing sunglasses and a hooded windbreaker, watching from the sidelines. The Bruins’ struggles underscore the impact of losing a key player in high-stakes matchups.
As UCLA’s season record now stands at 3-7 overall and 3-4 in the Big Ten, fans and analysts will be eager to see how the team rebounds in the coming weeks. The next challenge awaits as they aim to regroup and refocus ahead of their upcoming games.
Stay tuned for more updates on UCLA’s season and the implications of Iamaleava’s recovery on the team’s performance.
