After a season of ups and downs, hit by departures that examined a program nonetheless adjusting to success, the UNLV Rebels rallied along with the aim of incomes their eleventh win.
It took practically 40 years, however No. 24 UNLV (11-3) clinched an 11-win season — tying this system’s single-season Soccer Bowl Subdivision document — with a 24-13 win over California (6-7) Wednesday through the LA Bowl performed at SoFi Stadium.
The Rebels have been led by a dual-threat quarterback, Hajj-Malik Williams, within the bowl recreation simply as they have been many years in the past throughout their earlier finest season when Randall Cunningham directed the UNLV offense.
Described by teammates and coaches as a winner, Williams — a Soccer Championship Subdivision switch in his first and solely season at UNLV — took over because the beginning quarterback three video games into the season and guided the Rebels to their first bowl win in 24 years.
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Though his efficiency wasn’t as dominant as anticipated, Williams did sufficient to safe the win for the Rebels. He ignited the offense, finishing 5 of 18 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns whereas including 27 yards in 10 carries.
Whereas UNLV entered the sport with readability at quarterback, Cal weighed two choices: veteran CJ Harris and true freshman EJ Caminong.
Golden Bears coach Justin Wilcox opted to start out Harris, however he switched sign callers within the third quarter. The transfer proved pricey when a backward cross by Caminong later within the quarter led to a turnover, establishing a speeding landing by UNLV’s Kylin James that prolonged the Rebels result in 21-13.
UNLV added a 48-yard discipline aim by Caden Chittenden within the fourth quarter and continued to play stout protection to safe the win.
Harris accomplished 13 of 20 passes for 109 yards, including 23 yards in 12 carries earlier than he was benched. Caminong was six of 19 passing for 57 yards and had a pricey fumble.
Cal opened the scoring with a 43-yard discipline aim from kicker Derek Morris, whose try ricocheted off the upright earlier than falling by means of to offer the Bears an early 3-0 lead.
UNLV responded with a 49-yard landing cross from Williams to Kayden McGee. McGee sprinted previous the Cal secondary to haul within the deep strike, giving the Rebels a 7-3 lead.
The Golden Bears regained momentum on their subsequent possession, marching down the sphere with a sequence of massive performs. Tight finish Jack Endries made two vital catches on passes from Harris — one for 16 yards and one other for 22 yards on a display screen cross.
Endries emerged as a dependable safety blanket for Harris, who focused him all through the sport. Endries completed as Cal’s main receiver with 61 yards on seven receptions.
The drive culminated in a reverse to vast receiver Josiah Martin, who powered into the tip zone to offer Cal a 10-7 lead.
The Rebels have been aggressive on their subsequent drive. Marshall Nichols linked with Cameron Oliver on a 52-yard faux punt, placing UNLV within the crimson zone.
Shifting to a hurry-up offense, Williams linked with Jacob De Jesus for a nine-yard landing cross.
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UNLV labored to determine the run, carrying the ball 18 occasions within the first half, to open up the passing recreation for Williams.
Cal struggled to maintain up with the Rebels’ tempo. Morris missed a 41-yard field-goal try vast left within the second quarter. He was changed by Ryan Coe, who linked on a 30-yard discipline aim simply earlier than halftime. They have been the Golden Bears’ remaining factors of the sport.
After a scorching begin to the season, Cal closes with a shedding document throughout its debut ACC season. This system has now misplaced 13 consecutive video games in opposition to opponents ranked within the prime 25.
UNLV closed top-of-the-line seasons at school historical past on a excessive be aware, with L.A. native Del Alexander incomes the win as interim coach earlier than new head coach Dan Mullen takes over this system.
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This story initially appeared in Los Angeles Instances.
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