No. 24 UNLV executes new punt fakes to perfection in LA Bowl

On By Littum

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 30: A UNLV Rebels helmet sits on the court during the second half of a game between the UNLV Rebels and the Hawaii Warriors at Allegiant Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rebels defeat Warriors 44-20. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images)

UNLV pulled a quick one in the LA Bowl. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images)

Soccer is a game built on tactical innovation, and no. 24 UNLV did its Wednesday at the LA Bowl.

Facing a 4th and 7 against Cal in the second quarter, the Rebels completely fooled the Golden Bears with a new type of fake punt. Instead of risking a run or throwing out a quick pass, they had right tackle Cameron Oliver cut in while the rest of the punt team ran down the field.

Cal sent eight blockers against punter Marshall Nichols, leaving Oliver wide open for a shovel pass with a flotilla of blockers in front of him. The result was a 52-yard gain.

Quarterback Jacob De Jesus made the fake count one play later with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Hajj-Malik Williams to take a 14-10 lead.

Veteran football fans might watch that play and have the words “ineligible receiver downfield” pop into their heads, but UNLV avoided a play-kill penalty by making Oliver run behind the line. In college football, there is no ineligible player downfield penalty if the pass is caught behind the line.

So the NFL isn’t going to copy this play anytime soon. But as for the rest of the college ranks, well, we’ll see if any College Football Playoff teams take notice and feel fresh in a week or two.