Ohio State Runs Past UCLA

On a crisp November evening, Ohio State Stadium reverberated with the roar of over 104,000 enthusiastic fans as the Ohio State Buckeyes hosted the UCLA Bruins for the first time since 1999. The anticipation leading up to kickoff was electric. However, both teams faced significant challenges prior to the game. The Bruins entered the matchup without their star quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, sidelined due to a concussion suffered in their previous game against Nebraska. This absence undoubtedly dampened the Bruins' spirits as they faced a formidable Buckeye squad. Conversely, Ohio State entered Saturday night without Carnell Tate for a second consecutive game due to precautionary soreness. Head Coach Ryan Day opted to limit the snaps of standout wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who exited in the second quarter, adding another layer of complexity to the Buckeyes' strategy.

From the start, the game firmly swung in favor of Ohio State. The Buckeyes established early dominance with a one-yard touchdown run by Bo Jackson Jr. with 8:47 left in the first quarter. This initial score set the tone for what would prove to be a commanding performance from the Buckeyes. Ohio State's relentless defense stifled the Bruins’ offense, effectively neutralizing any chances of a comeback and containing them to a mere ten points throughout the game.

Special teams played a pivotal role in the Buckeyes' success, highlighted by Caden Curry's electrifying blocked punt, which ultimately led to a field goal just before halftime. However, the night belonged to Lorenzo Styles Jr., who executed a sensational 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, marking the first such return for Ohio State since 2010. This electrifying moment not only ignited the already fervent crowd but also underscored the special teams' transformation into a dynamic force for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State’s rushing attack, a topic of concern throughout the season, emerged in resounding fashion against UCLA. The Buckeyes accumulated an impressive 222 yards on the ground, averaging an astonishing 6.7 yards per carry. Bo Jackson led the onslaught with 112 rushing yards and a touchdown, while James Peoples, who had struggled earlier this season, found his rhythm with 42 rushing yards and two touchdowns. With CJ Donaldson resting, Peoples proved to be a capable red zone threat, highlighting the depth and resilience of Ohio State's offensive strategy.

The Buckeyes’ defense was relentless, holding UCLA to a mere 222 total yards, showcasing a cohesive and aggressive approach that left the Bruins perplexed and ineffective. By the time the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 48-10 in favor of Ohio State, solidifying their undefeated season at 10-0 and reinforcing their status as contenders for the national title.

As the Buckeyes celebrated their decisive victory on their home turf, attention turned to the next challenge: a matchup against Rutgers on Senior Day the following Saturday. Ohio State hosts Rutgers Saturday on Fox at noon.