UNLV Edges Cal 39-31
Jackson Arnold Accounts for Five Touchdowns as UNLV Edges Cal 39-31
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Key Points
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Cal opened the scoring with a 91-yard touchdown pass from Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to tight end Taimane Purcell, giving the Bears a 7-0 lead.
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Cal’s starting nickel back Cam Sidney and defensive back Daniel Harris were both ejected for targeting, in the first and fourth quarters, respectively.
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UNLV quarterback Jackson Arnold broke off a 42-yard run to the Cal 12-yard line before throwing the go-ahead touchdown pass to Keyan Burnett.
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Cal had several chances to change the game’s course: an interception return into UNLV territory was followed by a Cal interception, a second-half surprise onside kick produced no score, and a late-third-quarter fumbled kickoff recovery led to a field goal rather than a touchdown.
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UNLV’s first home game in more than a month came after three consecutive road games spanning four time zones and more than 6,000 miles, according to the report.
UNLV quarterback Jackson Arnold accounted for five touchdowns as the Rebels defeated California 39-31 in Las Vegas on Saturday. Arnold threw three touchdown passes and ran for two scores, totaling 287 yards, to lead CBS Sports UNLV to a statement victory despite a dramatic second-half comeback attempt by the Golden Bears.
The Rebels built a commanding 24-7 halftime lead behind Arnold's early dominance, but Cal stormed back to take a 25-24 lead early in the fourth quarter. Arnold answered with two crucial scores, including a go-ahead touchdown pass to Keyan Burnett and a late two-yard scoring run, to seal the win according to The Sporting Tribune.
Arnold's Explosive First Half Sets Tone
UNLV jumped out to control the game early behind Arnold's arm and legs. He connected with Kayden McGee on a 70-yard touchdown pass and found Taz Reddicks for a 36-yard score through the air. Arnold also added a 55-yard scoring run to build the 24-7 halftime advantage according to IJR.
Cal managed an opening touchdown when quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele threw a 91-yard scoring pass to tight end Taimane Purcell to give the Bears an early 7-0 lead. But the Golden Bears couldn't sustain momentum against Arnold's hot start.
Cal's Comeback Falls Short in Fourth Quarter
The Golden Bears refused to quit. Cal rallied in the second half to take a 25-24 lead early in the fourth quarter, threatening a major upset at UNLV. The Bears had their chances: an interception return into UNLV territory, a surprise onside kick, and a fumbled kickoff recovery all gave Cal opportunities to take control per Daily Cal.
But each chance went unrewarded. Cal converted the kickoff recovery into only a field goal instead of a touchdown, and another drive stalled. Arnold's late heroics proved decisive for the Rebels down the stretch.
Cal Fights Injuries and Penalties Late
The Golden Bears played without leading rusher Adam Mohammed and lost two more key defenders during the game. Safety Kingston Lopa was injured, and quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele left the game with an injury. Cal also had defensive back Cam Sidney ejected for targeting in the first quarter and defensive back Daniel Harris ejected for targeting in the fourth quarter according to Daily Cal.
UNLV's victory marked the Rebels' first home game in more than a month after three consecutive road games spanning four time zones and over 6,000 miles. Despite that travel grind, Arnold led UNLV to a decisive finish and statement win over a shorthanded Cal team.
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