UCLA stumbles early in blowout loss at top-ranked Ohio State

The mountain was already steep for UCLA entering the week of preparation for Saturday night’s road contest at top-ranked and undefeated Ohio State. Key injuries and the circumstances only made the challenge an even bigger climb.

The inevitable, though, was never in doubt, and the Bruins were blown out in a 48-10 loss at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The loss officially eliminated UCLA from bowl contention.

The Bruins (3-7, 3-4 Big Ten), shorthanded after a concussion sidelined star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, turned to redshirt sophomore Luke Duncan for his first career start and just second collegiate appearance.

Duncan, who came into the game without a career pass attempt and just six snaps in mop-up duty against Michigan State, had issues getting the Bruins’ offense going early. His first two pass attempts, both completions, failed to gain positive yardage, and things didn’t get much better until the game was well out of reach.

UCLA punted on all five of its first-half drives, including Will Karoll‘s last attempt that was blocked deep in its own territory in the closing seconds, and trailed 27-0 at the break en route to a third consecutive loss.

Duncan finished 16-of-23 passing for 154 yards and a touchdown without an interception against the nation’s top-ranked defense.

Ohio State (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten) scored on its first five drives and led by 34 going into the fourth quarter. The Buckeyes put forth a balanced effort and outgained the Bruins 440-222 in total offensive yardage.

Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin completed his first 11 pass attempts and finished 23-of-31 passing for 184 yards and a touchdown without an interception. Running back Bo Jackson had a career-high 112 of the team’s 222 yards rushing and one of its four rushing touchdowns. Fellow running back James Peoples ran for 42 yards and two scores.

The Bruins were also without starting right guard Garrett DiGiorgio, who suffered back spasms in the first half of last week’s loss to Nebraska.

Turning point of the game

UCLA, which trailed 10-0 through one quarter, had a chance to force a turnover on downs deep in its own territory approaching the midway point of the second quarter.

However, Ohio State converted an uncontested fourth-and-5 throw to receiver Brandon Inniss. Penalties then created a third-and-20 situation on the UCLA 26-yard line that turned into another fourth-and-5. This time, Sayin connected with receiver Bryson Rodgers for an 11-yard touchdown pass to push the lead to 17-0 with 4:41 left in the half.

That was as close to any chance UCLA had in keeping the game somewhat manageable.

UCLA standout on offense: WR Rico Flores Jr.

It took nearly three full quarters before the Bruins’ first explosive play of the night.

Flores took a short Duncan pass to the left and shook loose from the nearest Ohio State defender for a 51-yard gain to the Ohio State 19. It set up Duncan’s first career touchdown pass to wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer to end the shutout and pull within 34-7.

UCLA had just 65 yards of total offense through seven possessions going into the scoring drive.

However, it was only a brief moment of glee. With three seconds left in the third, Ohio State kick returner Lorenzo Styles Jr. took the ensuing kick back 100 yards for a touchdown.

UCLA standout on defense: LB Jalen Woods

Woods’ third-quarter sack of Sayin on the opening drive of the second half was one of the few signs of life aside from limiting Ohio State to early field goals.

It was also the Bruins’ first sack in more than a month, snapping a three-game streak.

Why UCLA lost

The Bruins were outgained 294-50 in total yardage through one half, as the offense was out of sync from the opening snap and never made it competitive. UCLA had just two first downs at the half.

Not that Iamaleava’s presence would have made things significantly more interesting, but UCLA looked every bit like a team trying to figure out its plan of attack on the fly before finding a rhythm at the end of the third quarter.

The Bruins didn’t make things easier on themselves, drawing seven penalties for 55 yards. They also failed to establish the run without the mobile Iamaleava, gaining just 68 yards on the ground.