UNLV: 2024 LA Bowl Champions

 

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The UNLV football team earned its first bowl victory since 2000, defeating Cal 24-13 in the LA Bowl on Wednesday at SoFi Stadium.

The Rebels (11-3) capped arguably the greatest season in program history and now head into the offseason under new coach Dan Mullen. Wide receivers coach Del Alexander served as the interim coach against Cal (6-7).

Freshman wide receiver Kayden McGee caught a 49-yard touchdown, the first of his career, in the first quarter, and senior wide receiver Jacob De Jesus had a 9-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter as UNLV took a 14-13 halftime lead.

De Jesus’ touchdown was set up by a spectacular 52-yard reception on a fake punt by senior defensive back Cameron Oliver.

Senior running back Kylin James scored on a 23-yard run in the third quarter to extend the lead to 21-13.

Freshman Caden Chittenden made a 48-yard field goal with 6:01 to play to give UNLV some breathing room at 24-13.

The Rebels’ last bowl win came against Arkansas in the Las Vegas Bowl in 2000.

Keep your heads up, UNLV

Normally I do not like to say such words of advice to the teams we face, because they don't need such pity. It's a fact. However, given the circumstances of this matchup, I decided to bend over backwards and make exceptions. Tonight, we faced a UNLV side that gave us a good match. So, Rebel supporters, I have some kind words to say as your season draws to a close.

1. This was your very, very, very first-ever NCAA tournament appearance. Now, I did not find this out until I got back home from the game and looked up the history. You should be proud of just getting here. There are over, what, 300+ teams in Division I women's volleyball. Not even half of them have ever been to this Big Dance. Savor it.
2. You lost to a Long Beach State side that has been here for over two decades straight. Once again, this was your first-ever appearance. My guys have been here, finished and won that, many times. If it makes you any happier, in our very first appearance...we had a first round exit, too. AND, we were swept. Which leads to my next point...
   
3. This match went to five games. Most first-timers would get run over in a sweep. You're not like many of those "happy-to-be-here" scrubs. Anyone who said it was a lucky win by us is a disgrace to sports journalism in general, because you were a quality side we faced. Heck, you're the Mountain West Champions! We only finished second to Cal Poly (who has also been here, and is champs in our conference [something I detest, but it has nothing to do with you]) this season. Quality side, and a valiant effort from you guys. As you know, the best teams will win in five games. I was surprised that you also, like us, came into this match riding on two straight five-game wins. We had to do it against Pitt and then-#8 ranked Florida (now ranked #10 and now in the Sweet 16), which shows you the type of team you were up against.
4. This was the best season by far for you guys. Next year, we're going to be on our heels when we face you guys again in our next meeting..whenever that will be.

So, good luck and keep your heads up, UNLV, and move aside, and let a team who's been there and done that and won that face off against another team who's been there and done that and won that.