Fri Dec 20 01:00:00 UTC 2024: ## UNLV Rebels Upset Cal Golden Bears in LA Bowl, Claim First Bowl Win in 24 Years
**INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) —** The UNLV Rebels capped off their best season in 24 years with a stunning 24-13 victory over the California Golden Bears in the LA Bowl on Wednesday night. The win, their 11th of the season, marks the Rebels’ first bowl game victory since 2000 and their first-ever 11-win season as an FBS program.
Despite losing their starting quarterback after three games and their head coach just 10 days before the game, UNLV dominated the second half. Interim head coach Del Alexander, an assistant when UNLV last won a bowl game, credited the team’s resilience and praised the players for achieving this historic win. Incoming head coach Dan Mullen was present to witness the victory.
Offensive MVP Jacob De Jesus, who scored a touchdown and had a crucial 38-yard punt return, along with quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams (two touchdowns) and Kylin James (one rushing touchdown), led the Rebels’ offensive charge. A pivotal fake punt, resulting in a 52-yard gain, proved a game-changer. Defensive MVP Jackson Woodard anchored a strong defensive performance.
Cal, hampered by the absence of key players who entered the transfer portal, struggled to find offensive rhythm, particularly in the second half. While Josiah Martin scored a touchdown on a reverse, Cal’s offense ultimately faltered, with costly turnovers and missed opportunities inside the UNLV red zone proving decisive. Coach Justin Wilcox cited the fake punt, a turnover leading to a UNLV touchdown, and missed scoring chances as key factors in the loss.
The victory secures UNLV a spot in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll, a significant accomplishment for the program. The Rebels are set to open the 2025 season against Sam Houston State, while Cal will face Oregon State. Rob Gronkowski added to the celebration by presenting UNLV with a championship belt.
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