UNLV's football team achieved a historic milestone by securing its first bowl victory in 24 years with a 24-13 win over California in the LA Bowl. Despite facing challenges such as losing their starting quarterback early in the season and their head coach just days before the game, the 24th-ranked Rebels delivered a stellar performance to cap off their best season in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
The Rebels, now boasting an impressive 11-3 record, were led by quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, who threw two touchdown passes, and running back Kylin James, who added another rushing touchdown. This victory marked UNLV's first bowl win since 2000 and their first 11-win season as an FBS program.
Interim head coach Del Alexander, who stepped in after the departure of Barry Odom, expressed the significance of the win for the players and the program's legacy. The presence of incoming head coach Dan Mullen at the game added to the celebratory atmosphere for UNLV.
Cal, on the other hand, fell short with a 6-7 record and faced challenges with key players missing from their lineup. Despite a competitive first half, the Golden Bears struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities and were unable to match UNLV's offensive prowess.
Key plays, including a 49-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Kayden McGee and a successful fake punt that led to a crucial score, highlighted UNLV's strong performance. Defensive MVP Jackson Woodard and Offensive MVP Jacob De Jesus made significant contributions to secure the victory.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to kick off the 2025 season with UNLV facing Sam Houston State and Cal taking on Oregon State. The win positions UNLV for a potential ranking in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll, marking a significant achievement for the Mountain West team.
Overall, UNLV's triumph in the LA Bowl not only signifies a historic milestone for the program but also sets the stage for continued success under the leadership of Coach Mullen in the upcoming seasons.
