UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the UCLA Bruins were decisively defeated by the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, suffering a staggering 48-10 loss on November 4, 2023, at Ohio Stadium. This game marked the first career start for backup quarterback Luke Duncan, who was thrust into action due to star quarterback Nico Iamaleava being sidelined with concussion symptoms.
The Bruins struggled from the get-go, unable to gain any momentum against a dominant Ohio State team that scored on its first five drives. With 104,168 fans in attendance, the atmosphere proved daunting for Duncan, who completed 16 of 23 passes for 154 yards and one touchdown, but faced an uphill battle from the start.
Ohio State’s offensive powerhouse showcased their strength, with standout performances from running back James Peoples rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown, and quarterback Julian Sayin, who completed his first 11 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown. The Buckeyes built a commanding 27-0 lead by halftime, leaving the Bruins reeling.
Despite Duncan’s efforts, including a late third-quarter touchdown pass to Kwazi Gilmer, UCLA’s scoring was overshadowed by Ohio State’s swift and relentless offensive plays. The Buckeyes responded immediately to UCLA’s touchdown with a stunning 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Lorenzo Styles Jr., further solidifying their grip on the game.
UCLA’s defense showed brief signs of resilience, including a sack from linebacker Jalen Woods that halted an Ohio State drive early in the second half. However, the Bruins were ultimately outgained 440-222 in total yardage, highlighting the vast disparity between the two teams.
Duncan’s performance, while commendable given the circumstances, was marred by a conservative game plan that stifled any potential rhythm. The Bruins managed only two first downs in the first half, failing to cross midfield until the late third quarter.
As the game wore on, UCLA’s situation only worsened. A punt mishap resulted in Ohio State scoring another field goal as the clock ticked down to halftime, leaving the Bruins down 30-0 at the break.
With the loss, UCLA falls to 3-7 overall and 3-4 in the Big Ten, as Ohio State remains undefeated at 10-0, 7-0 in conference play. The Bruins’ struggles are compounded by Iamaleava’s absence, who was ruled out after sustaining several hits in the previous week’s game against Nebraska.
Looking ahead, the Bruins will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup. Coach Jerry Neuheisel must devise a plan to recover from this devastating defeat and address the challenges of competing without their star quarterback.
As UCLA fans grapple with the implications of this loss, the focus now shifts to how the team will respond in the coming weeks. This game serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced when key players are missing, and the road ahead appears steep for the Bruins.
