INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — No. 24 UNLV capped one of its best seasons in program history with a 24-13 victory over California in the LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium Wednesday night, securing their 11th win to match a school record that stood for nearly 40 years.
The Rebels (11-3) earned their first bowl victory in 24 years behind quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, who threw for 96 yards and two touchdowns despite completing just five of 18 passes. The FCS transfer, who took over as starter three games into the season, also added 27 rushing yards.
“This win represents everything we’ve worked for this season,” said interim coach Del Alexander, who guided the team to victory before incoming head coach Dan Mullen takes over the program.
UNLV’s defense played a crucial role in containing California’s dual-quarterback system. The Golden Bears (6-7) started veteran CJ Harris, who completed 13 of 20 passes for 109 yards before being replaced by freshman EJ Caminong in the third quarter. The quarterback change backfired when Caminong’s backward pass resulted in a turnover, leading to a touchdown run by UNLV’s Kylin James that pushed the lead to 21-13.
Cal struck first with Derek Morris’s 43-yard field goal that bounced off the upright and through. UNLV responded quickly when Williams connected with Kayden McGee on a 49-yard touchdown pass, giving the Rebels a 7-3 lead.
The Golden Bears briefly regained momentum behind tight end Jack Endries, who finished with seven catches for 61 yards. Cal capitalized on his key receptions with a reverse play to Josiah Martin for a touchdown and a 10-7 advantage.
UNLV countered with a bit of trickery as Marshall Nichols completed a 52-yard fake punt to Cameron Oliver, setting up Williams’s nine-yard touchdown pass to Jacob De Jesus.
Caden Chittenden’s 48-yard field goal in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for UNLV, matching their program-best win total from the Randall Cunningham era.
The loss extended Cal’s struggles against ranked opponents to 13 straight defeats and marked a disappointing end to their debut ACC season.
“This team has overcome so much adversity this year,” Alexander said. “To finish with 11 wins and a bowl victory shows the character of these players.”
The historic victory provides momentum for UNLV as they transition to new leadership under Mullen, while Cal heads into the offseason looking to rebuild after a losing campaign.
