Sights and Sounds of the 2024 LA Bowl: UNLV beats Cal

4 hours ago

INGLEWOOD — On Wednesday night, UNLV beat Cal, 24-13, in the 2024 Art of Sports LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium for its first bowl victory since 2000. Here are some of the sights and sounds from the game.

Key plays

Cal and UNLV showcased tough defenses and offensive creativity throughout the game. UNLV converted one of the most impressive fake punts this season in a key turning point early.

On fourth and 7, the Rebels lined up for a seemingly routine punt with 13:52 remaining in the second quarter. Punter Marshall Nichols dropped down, and instead of kicking the ball, he threw a jump pass over the rush to Cameron Oliver for a first down inside Cal’s 10-yard line that quickly led to a 14-10 UNLV lead.

Late in the third quarter, in a close game, Cal quarterback EJ Caminong dropped back to pass and scrambled to avoid the charging UNLV defense. As he was pressured, he threw a backward pass and UNLV’s Jett Elad recovered it.

The Rebels scored on the following drive to make the score 21-13, all but sealing the game.

A family moment for two fans

Sometimes, the game isn’t just about the X’s and O’s.

Rene and Jordan Zavala braved the trek up the 5 freeway from San Diego for seats on the 50-yard line to watch Jordan’s high school football teammates suit up for UNLV.

More importantly, college football continues to link generations. Rene started taking Jordan to Padres games when Jordan was a boy. Now, overcome with emotion, Rene expressed gratitude for the opportunity to take the day off from his cement masonry job to catch another game with his son, who is now grown.

Photos from Keith Birmingham:

Cal tight end Jack Endries lunges short of the goal line during the first half of the LA Bowl against UNLV on Wednesday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/SCNG)