UPDATE: Ohio State has secured its 10th victory of the season with an emphatic 48-10 victory over UCLA, held at Ohio Stadium on October 14, 2023. The Buckeyes built a commanding lead by halftime, capitalizing on UCLA’s significant player absences, including their starting quarterback.
UCLA entered the game without Nico Iamaleava, their leading rusher, sidelined due to a concussion. Redshirt sophomore Luke Duncan stepped in for his first career start, but struggled to keep pace with Ohio State’s potent offense. Meanwhile, Ohio State faced its own challenges, missing wide receiver Carnell Tate for the second consecutive week. Star receiver Jeremiah Smith left the game after the first half, raising concerns for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State wasted no time taking control of the game. Running back Bo Jackson opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown, finishing the game with an impressive 112 rushing yards through three quarters. Kicker Jayden Fielding extended the lead to 10-0 with a 41-yard field goal, signaling a dominant first quarter for the Buckeyes.
The second quarter saw Ohio State continue to dominate. Quarterback Julian Sayin connected with Bryson Rodgers for an 11-yard touchdown. Running back James Peoples then bulldozed his way into the end zone from 19 yards out, showcasing his agility by hurdling a defender. A UCLA mishap on a punt allowed Fielding to add another field goal, bringing the score to 27-0 at halftime.
As the third quarter progressed, Ohio State extended its lead further. Running back Isaiah West scored on a 1-yard run, and although Duncan finally found the end zone with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Kwazi Gilmer, the Bruins were quickly reminded of Ohio State’s offensive firepower. In a stunning response, Lorenzo Styles returned a kickoff for a touchdown, marking Ohio State’s first kickoff return score since 2010.
The game concluded with Mateen Bhaghani adding a 32-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, solidifying the Buckeyes’ decisive victory at 48-10.
With this victory, Ohio State’s momentum is undeniable as they continue their season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to their injury challenges moving forward. Stay tuned for updates on player recoveries and future matchups.
