UNLV’s Historic Bowl Win: Rebels Top Cal 24-13 in Art of Sport LA Bowl
UNLV capped off a remarkable season on Wednesday night, securing their first bowl victory in 24 years with a 24-13 win over California in the Art of Sport LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium. The win marked the conclusion of a historic campaign for the Rebels, who finished the season with an 11-3 record, the best in the school’s history at the Division I level.
For UNLV, the triumph was significant not only for the victory itself but also for the broader context of their program’s resurgence. This victory, their first bowl win since 2000, elevated the team to an elite level within NCAA football, as they stood alone in the history books—unlike the 1984 team whose victories were later vacated by the NCAA. The team also joined the ranks of the most successful in school history, with their first bowl win in over two decades standing as a testament to the hard work and determination put forth by players and coaching staff.
UNLV’s Record-Breaking Season
The 2023 season was a monumental one for UNLV, who finished with an 11-3 record, their best ever in the Division I era. With only two losses all season, to Syracuse and twice to Boise State—including in the Mountain West Championship—UNLV’s performance made waves in the college football landscape. The team’s success helped propel head coach Barry Odom into a new role, as he was hired by Purdue shortly after guiding the Rebels to the bowl game.
This victory in the Art of Sport LA Bowl, set against the backdrop of a 24-year bowl drought, symbolized a significant turnaround for the program, cementing their place among the elite teams in the country. Odom’s departure marks the end of a transformative era for UNLV, and in 2025, the Rebels will begin a new chapter under the leadership of Dan Mullen, the former coach at Florida and Mississippi State. While Mullen wasn’t coaching during the bowl game, interim coach Del Alexander took charge and guided the team to victory in the season finale, allowing UNLV to finish their historic campaign on a high note.
A Struggling Cal Team Faces a Tough Challenge
California entered the Art of Sport LA Bowl hoping to end their season on a positive note after finishing with a disappointing 6-7 record. The Golden Bears, who had struggled throughout the season, faced an uphill battle in the bowl game, ultimately falling short against a fired-up UNLV squad.
The quarterback situation for Cal was far from ideal. Starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza had already entered the transfer portal, and backup Chandler Rogers was sidelined with an injury, leaving the Golden Bears with little option but to start freshman quarterback CJ Harris. Unfortunately for Cal, Harris was knocked out of the game during the second half, forcing them to turn to freshman EJ Caminong, who found himself in an increasingly difficult situation as the game went on.
Despite their quarterback woes, Cal’s offense did manage to put up 348 yards of total offense, but they were unable to turn that into a successful outcome on the scoreboard. In contrast, UNLV’s 291 yards of offense were sufficient to maintain control of the game, especially thanks to critical turnovers and a clutch punt return in the fourth quarter.
The Turning Point: Big Punt Return and Key Fumble Recovery
The fourth quarter became a decisive turning point for UNLV, thanks to a pivotal punt return by Jacob De Jesus. His 38-yard return helped set up a crucial field goal, as the Rebels were able to extend their lead to 24-13 with a 48-yard field goal from kicker Caden Chittenden. Although the UNLV offense was unable to capitalize on the return by converting a first down, Chittenden’s kick ensured that the Rebels had a two-score advantage with just over six minutes remaining in the game.
The pivotal moment came earlier in the third quarter when Cal, trailing 14-13, faced a disastrous turnover. Quarterback EJ Caminong’s attempt at a backwards pass was mishandled and ultimately fumbled. UNLV was quick to react, recovering the loose ball and putting themselves in a prime position to add more points to their tally. Kylin James, a key defensive player for the Rebels, capitalized on the mistake, scooping up the fumble and returning it for a touchdown that put UNLV firmly in control of the game, pushing their lead to 21-13.
That fumble recovery and subsequent touchdown were critical in establishing the momentum that UNLV would ride through the final minutes of the game. With their offense not firing on all cylinders, the Rebels were able to rely on key defensive plays to seal the win. The turnover also illustrated the struggles of Cal’s offense, as their inability to maintain possession contributed directly to their downfall in the bowl game.
Cal’s Offensive Struggles: The Quarterback Crisis
The issues at quarterback for Cal were glaring throughout the contest. With three quarterbacks in and out of the game, including a freshman, Cal simply didn’t have the consistency or stability needed to keep up with UNLV. With each quarterback injury or turnover, it became increasingly clear that the Golden Bears were operating at a disadvantage.
Mendoza’s departure from the team via the transfer portal earlier in the season left Cal in a difficult situation, as they were forced to rely on their second- and third-string quarterbacks for most of the season. This instability at the quarterback position was compounded by injuries and the eventual loss of Harris during the bowl game, leaving the team with little chance to mount a serious comeback. Despite their 348 total yards, Cal’s offensive unit was unable to string together enough sustained drives to threaten UNLV’s defense consistently.
A Changing Landscape for Both Teams
This game marks the end of a chapter for both teams, but for very different reasons. For UNLV, this victory provides a capstone to a season of firsts, including their best record and first bowl win in over two decades. It also signals the beginning of a new era under Dan Mullen, who will be tasked with continuing the upward trajectory of the program. The Rebels’ success has turned heads in the college football world, and Mullen will inherit a team brimming with potential.
For Cal, the loss serves as a reminder of the struggles the program has faced in recent years. Finishing with a 6-7 record for the second consecutive season, the Golden Bears have much work to do as they try to rebuild under head coach Justin Wilcox. While Cal’s defense remained competitive, the instability at quarterback and inability to execute in critical moments proved costly in the bowl game, leading to another disappointing end to their season.
Conclusion: UNLV’s Historic Achievement
The Art of Sport LA Bowl will be remembered as a historic moment for UNLV, marking their first bowl victory in 24 years and capping off their best season at the Division I level. The team’s 11-3 record, a strong defensive effort, and key plays in critical moments ensured that they secured a deserved win. With a new coach at the helm in 2025, the future is bright for the Rebels, who are poised to build on this success and continue their rise in the college football ranks.
For Cal, the 2023 season ends on a sour note, but the program must now look forward and address the issues that have plagued them, particularly at the quarterback position. While their defense showed promise, Cal’s offensive inconsistency was too much to overcome against a motivated UNLV team. With work to do in the offseason, the Golden Bears will need to regroup and refocus for a more successful 2024 campaign.
As for UNLV, the Art of Sport LA Bowl victory will go down in history as the culmination of a season that redefined the program and brought them back into the national spotlight. The Rebels’ path forward is paved with potential, and this victory may be just the beginning of a new era of success for UNLV football.
Source by usa Today