UNLV caps one of the best seasons in school history with LA Bowl win over Cal

After an up-and-down season, plagued by departures that tested a program still adjusting to success, the UNLV Rebels rallied with the goal of earning their 11th victory.

It took almost 40 years, but no. 24 UNLV (11-3) capped an 11-win season — tying the program’s Football Bowl Subdivision single-season record — with a 24-13 victory over California (6-7) on Wednesday during the LA Bowl played at SoFi Stadium.

The Rebels were led by dual-threat quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams in the bowl game, just as they were decades ago during their previous best season when Randall Cunningham directed the UNLV offense.

Described by teammates and coaches as a winner, Williams — a Football Championship Subdivision transfer in his first and only season at UNLV — took over as the starting quarterback three games into the season and guided the Rebels to their first bowl victory in 24 years.

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Although his performance was not as dominant as expected, Williams did enough to secure the victory for the Rebels. He ignited the offense, completing five of 18 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns while adding 27 yards on 10 carries.

While UNLV entered the game with clarity at quarterback, Cal weighed two options: veteran CJ Harris and true freshman EJ Caminong.

Golden Bears coach Justin Wilcox opted to start Harris, but he changed the signal call in the third quarter. The move proved costly as a reverse pass by Caminong later in the quarter led to a turnover, setting up a rushing touchdown by UNLV’s Kylin James that extended the Rebels lead to 21-13.

UNLV added a 48-yard field goal by Caden Chittenden in the fourth quarter and continued to play solid defense to secure the victory.

Harris completed 13 of 20 passes for 109 yards and added 23 yards on 12 carries before being benched. Caminong was six of 19 passing for 57 yards and had a costly fumble.

Cal opened the scoring with a 43-yard field goal from kicker Derek Morris, whose attempt ricocheted upright before falling through to give the Bears an early 3-0 lead.

UNLV answered with a 49-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Kayden McGee. McGee sprinted past the Cal secondary to haul in the deep charge, giving the Rebels a 7-3 lead.

The Golden Bears regained momentum on their next possession and marched down the field with a series of big plays. Tight end Jack Endries made two critical catches on passes from Harris — one for 16 yards and another for 22 yards on a screen pass.

Endries emerged as a reliable security blanket for Harris, who targeted him throughout the game. Endries finished as Cal’s leading receiver with 61 yards on seven receptions.

The drive culminated in a reverse to wide receiver Josiah Martin who got into the end zone to give Cal a 10-7 lead.

The Rebels were aggressive on their next drive. Marshall Nichols connected with Cameron Oliver on a 52-yard fake punt, putting UNLV in the red zone.

Switching to a rushing offense, Williams connected with Jacob De Jesus for a nine-yard touchdown pass.

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UNLV worked to establish the run, carrying the ball 18 times in the first half, to open up the passing game for Williams.

Cal struggled to keep up with the Rebels’ pace. Morris missed a 41-yard field-goal attempt wide left in the second quarter. He was replaced by Ryan Coe, who connected on a 30-yard field goal just before halftime. They were the Golden Bears’ final points of the game.

After a hot start to the season, Cal finishes with a losing record in its debut ACC season. The program has now lost 13 straight games against opponents ranked in the top 25.

UNLV closed out one of the best seasons in school history on a high note, with LA native Del Alexander earning the win as interim coach before new head coach Dan Mullen takes over the program.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.