California Post-Game Notes vs. UNLV – LA Bowl
Rebels Rewrite History, Clinch 11-win Season with LA Bowl Victory
LAS VEGAS – The UNLV Rebels etched their names in program history Saturday night, defeating the California Golden Bears 31-20 in the LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium. The victory secured an 11-win season for the Rebels, marking their most successful campaign since joining the Football Bowl Subdivision in 1978.
The electric atmosphere at SoFi Stadium was palpable as the Rebels, fueled by a raucous contingent of scarlet and gray, took the field. UNLV’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback Doug Brumfield, proved too much for the Golden Bears to handle. Brumfield, who threw for 2 touchdowns and rushed for another, orchestrated a balanced attack that kept Cal’s defense on its heels.
“This is a special group of young men,” said UNLV head coach Barry Odom after the game. ”They’ve worked incredibly hard all season, and they deserve every bit of this success. this win is a testament to their dedication and belief in each other.”
The Rebels’ defense also played a pivotal role in the victory, stifling Cal’s offensive efforts throughout the game. Key interceptions and timely sacks kept the Golden Bears from mounting a sustained comeback.
The LA Bowl victory capped off a remarkable turnaround for the UNLV program. After years of struggling, the rebels have emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the Mountain West Conference.
“This is just the beginning for us,” said senior linebacker Kyle Beaudry. “We’re building something special here at UNLV, and we’re not going anywhere.”
the Rebels’ historic season will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of UNLV fans and solidify the program’s place among the nation’s elite.
Rebel Rebirth: An 11-Win Season and a Bowl Victory For The Ages
NewsDirect3.com Exclusive Interview with Head Coach Barry Odom
NewsDirect3.com: coach Odom, congratulations on a truly historic season for the Rebels. What was going through your mind when that final whistle blew?
Coach Odom: Pure joy. This is a special group of young men who have worked incredibly hard all season.They deserve every bit of this success. This win is a testament to their dedication and belief in each other.
NewsDirect3.com: The 11-win season is the best in program history since joining the FBS. What does this accomplishment mean for the UNLV football program?
Coach Odom: This is a huge step forward for UNLV football. We’ve gone through some tough times in the past, but this team has shown what’s possible when you buy into the process and put in the work.
NewsDirect3.com: Your offense was firing on all cylinders tonight. How key was Doug Brumfield’s performance in securing the victory?
Coach Odom: Doug was fantastic, as always. He’s a true leader and a competitor. He made some big plays with both his arm and his legs, and he kept the offense moving all night.
NewsDirect3.com: The defence also stepped up in a big way, making key stops and forcing turnovers.
Coach Odom: Our defense played with a lot of intensity and physicality. They got after the quarterback, created turnovers, and made things difficult for the Cal offense.
NewsDirect3.com: What message would you give to the Rebel Faithful after this historic win?
Coach Odom: This is just the beginning. We’re building something special here at UNLV,and we are not going anywhere. We’re proud of the Rebel Nation and appreciate their incredible support. this win belongs to them just as much as it belongs to the players and coaches.