UCLA confirmed late Sunday that quarterback Nico Iamaleava will not travel to Ohio State after displaying concussion symptoms following the Bruins’ 28-21 loss to Nebraska. Iamaleava finished that game with 191 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 86 rushing yards, but was sacked three times and evaluated postgame.
For the season, the redshirt freshman has completed 63.7% of his passes for 1,659 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while adding 474 rushing yards and four scores in nine games. His absence forces Chip Kelly’s staff to turn to redshirt sophomore Luke Duncan, who has yet to attempt a collegiate pass.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said Ohio State will “crank up the pressure packages” to test Duncan immediately. The Buckeyes enter Saturday night as two-touchdown favorites and believe this development tilts the matchup further in their favor.