In a thrilling matchup held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at SoFi Stadium, the UNLV Rebels secured a 24-13 victory over the California Golden Bears in the Art of Sports LA Bowl. This outcome marked UNLV’s first bowl win in 24 years, making it a historic moment for the program.

Game Summary

The No. 24 ranked Rebels ended the season with an impressive 11-3 record, tying the school’s best win total, celebrated previously in 1984. Despite some challenges, including key player departures and injuries, UNLV demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess on the field. For California, the season concluded with a back-to-back 6-7 record, a continuation of struggles in bowl appearances.

First Half Highlights

The match started with Cal taking an early lead through a 43-yard field goal by kicker Derek Morris. The Rebels quickly responded, with quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams connecting with Kayden McGee for a 49-yard touchdown, giving UNLV a 7-3 lead. California’s Josiah Martin later scored on a 29-yard run, briefly putting Cal ahead 10-7. However, the Rebels regained control with a fake punt and subsequent touchdown, heading into halftime with a 14-13 lead.

Turning Points

Critical moments emerged in the second half, particularly when Cal’s freshman quarterback, EJ Caminong, fumbled a backward pass leading to a touchdown for the Rebels. This turnover propelled UNLV to extend their lead to 21-13. A subsequent 48-yard field goal from Caden Chittenden sealed the game for UNLV in the final minutes.

Player Performances

Standout players included Jaydn Ott from Cal, who rushed for a total of 81 yards in the first half. For UNLV, Jacob De Jesus was significant in the game with 142 all-purpose yards and a touchdown. The Rebels’ defense was also commendable, restricting Cal’s offense despite being outgained in total yards.

Future Prospects

UNLV looks forward to building on this success as they transition into a new coaching era with Dan Mullen at the helm in 2025. Meanwhile, California will need to regroup and reassess as they prepare for upcoming challenges in their next season, commencing against Oregon State on August 30, 2025.

Conclusion

This LA Bowl served as a testament to the evolution of UNLV football, showcasing their determination and potential as they move forward into a new chapter, while California faces the need for reconstruction after yet another season of challenges.