INGLEWOOD – The California Golden Bears faced off against No. 24 UNLV at the Art of Sport LA Bowl on Wednesday evening, but fell short, losing 24-13 at SoFi Stadium. Despite notable performances, the Bears struggled to maintain momentum, particularly in the second half, as they joined UNLV for just its sixth bowl appearance, seeking the win they hadn’t achieved since 2000.
With Jaydn Ott rushing for a season-high 84 yards and Josiah Martin scoring on a spectacular 29-yard touchdown run, the Golden Bears showcased moments of promise. Derek Morris and Ryan Coe contributed with field goals, but it simply wasn’t enough against the Rebels. "I have a lot of love for so many guys on the team," said Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox. Reflecting on the team's performance throughout the season, he acknowledged, "There was obviously some frustration this season but certainly never hopeless. I try to stay measured and be grateful for the guys in the locker room and what they have done for the program."
Cal's quarterback situation was uncertain, as CJ Harris made his first start at the school and completed 13 of his 20 passes for 109 yards. After struggling to find success, he was replaced by true freshman EJ Caminong midway through the third quarter. Tight end Jack Endries, relatively quiet during the regular season, caught seven passes for 61 yards, showcasing the team's potential even amid the setback.
The game began intensely, with the first half trading points as the Bears struck first. Morris nailed a 43-yard field goal to give Cal the early lead. Though UNLV surged forward with a touchdown to make it 7-3, Martin countered with his own touchdown, rushing down the sideline to reclaim the lead at 10-7 with just 19 seconds left in the first period. Unfortunately, the momentum would not last. The Rebels regained control, scoring quickly to put the Bears trailing again. Coe's 30-yard field goal brought the score to 14-13 by halftime, but it would be the last score for Cal.
After halftime, the California offense fell silent against UNLV’s formidable defense, which had its game plan executed perfectly throughout the contest. What stood out was UNLV's masterful execution of one of the best fake punt plays witnessed this bowl season. Early in the second quarter, punter Marshall Nichols executed the fake with uncanny ease, chest-passing the ball to defensive back Cameron Oliver, who bolted down to the red zone, catching Cal entirely off-guard. This strategic audacity showcased UNLV's creative play-calling and electrified their fans.
UNLV’s tenacity can be attributed to its impressive season and skilled roster. The Rebels came to this bowl game with serious fire, having only narrowly missed the College Football Playoff following tough losses to Boise State and Syracuse. Victory now would mark another high point for the team, showing their resilience and ability to compete at higher levels. Prior to the season’s end, they hired former Mississippi State and Florida head coach Dan Mullen, following Barry Odom's departure to Purdue, leading to questions about how the team would respond.
Yet, to the credit of the UNLV coaching staff, the team continued to play with determination and uniformity, showing grit even with leadership changes.
While the Bears suffered their second consecutive bowl loss, memories of progress still remained. Coach Wilcox noted, "Some of these guys really helped themselves. We have a lot of great evaluation. We wish we would have won the game," hinting at young talent's emergence during this significant opportunity.
Looking at this bowl appearance, it remains clear both teams are at different stages of their respective programs. For UNLV, they've set the foundation for future seasons as they work to build upon their recent successes. California, though facing adversity, would regroup and look to leverage experiences gained on the field to create lasting impacts as they transition to the upcoming spring.
The Art of Sport LA Bowl not only highlighted the talent present within both teams but also symbolized larger ambitions of growth, perseverance, and hope for the future. With bright prospects on both sides, this game provided both entertainment and insight as to what’s next for collegiate football going forward.
