Watch: Wildly Unique Fake Punt Helps UNLV Win LA Bowl
In a meaningful victory, No. 24 UNLV defeated California 24-13 in the LA Bowl, marking their first bowl win as 2000 and their first outside the Las Vegas Bowl. The Rebels, under interim head coach Del Alexander following Barry Odom’s departure, saw quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams throw two touchdown passes, while kylin James contributed with a rushing touchdown.UNLV’s win brought their season total to 11, a milestone for the program as an FBS institution. Meanwhile, California faced limitations, missing key players who had entered the transfer portal, and ended their season with a 6-7 record. The game showcased notable plays,including a prosperous fake punt that led to a touchdown,and the final performance is likely to earn UNLV a spot in the final AP Top 25 rankings.
Hajj-Malik Williams passed for two touchdowns. Kylin James ran for another, and No. 24 UNLV pulled away in the second half for a 24-13 victory over California in the LA Bowl on Wednesday night.
UNLV won a bowl game for the first time since 2000 — and its first outside of the Las Vegas Bowl. It also gave the Rebels 11 wins for the first time as an FBS program.
Del Alexander, an assistant when UNLV last won a bowl game, was the interim head coach after Barry Odom departed for the vacancy at Purdue on Dec. 8.
Dan Mullen, who will take over UNLV’s program next season after being hired last Thursday, was in attendance.
Cal (6-7), which hasn’t had a winning season since 2019, was missing quarterback Fernando Mendoza and leading wide receiver Nyziah Hunter, after both entered the transfer portal.
UNLV took a 7-3 lead during the first quarter when Williams connected with Kayden McGee for a 49-yard touchdown strike. The freshman got behind Cal’s secondary on a post pattern, caught the ball at the 13, and easily ran into the end zone for his first collegiate TD.
The Rebels went back on top 14-10 early in the second quarter as Jacob De Jesus took a shovel pass 12 yards then did a backflip after scoring. The touchdown came a play after a successful fake punt when Marshall Nichols lobbed the ball to Cameron Oliver for a 52-yard gain to the Cal 9.
This is one of the best fake punt plays I’ve ever seen. pic.twitter.com/PrUjwHOuUF
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) December 19, 2024
De Jesus also had a 38-yard punt return during the fourth quarter to set up a field goal by Caden Chittenden.
UNLV had a 14-13 lead at halftime but extended its lead with 2:13 remaining in the third quarter when James went 23 yards up the middle. The Rebels regained possession after Jett Elad recovered the ball after Cal quarterback EJ Caminong fumbled on a lateral.
Williams was 5 of 18 for 96 yards while Jai’Den Thomas had 18 carries for 72 yards.
CJ Harris got his first start at Cal and completed 13 of 20 passes for 109 yards in 2 1/2 quarters of action. Caminong went the rest of the way and was 6 of 19 for 57 yards.
Jayden Ott rushed for 84 yards on 11 carries.
The Golden Bears’ lone touchdown came with 19 seconds remaining in the first quarter when Josiah Martin went 29 yards on a reverse to give Cal a short-lived 10-7 advantage.
The victory should mean the Rebels will be ranked in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll for the first time.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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