LA Bowl Preview: California Golden Bears vs. UNLV Rebels

Date: December 18, 2024

Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

Kickoff Time: 6:00 PM PST

Game Overview

The California Golden Bears (6-6) are set to face the No. 24 UNLV Rebels (10-3) in the LA Bowl. Both teams have experienced significant changes leading up to this matchup, with coaching shifts and player movements that could impact their performances.

Team Insights

California Golden Bears

California enters this bowl game after a season marked by both challenges and highlights. The team has undergone notable changes, including the departure of key players and coaching staff adjustments.

UNLV Rebels

UNLV has had an impressive season, achieving a 10-3 record and securing a spot in the Mountain West Championship Game, where they fell to Boise State. The Rebels are dealing with the recent departure of head coach Barry Odom to Purdue, with Del Alexander stepping in as interim coach for the bowl game.

Key Player Projections

California Golden Bears

  • Quarterback: CJ Harris is expected to start, projecting approximately 22 completions on 39 attempts for around 255 yards.
  • Running Back: Jaydn Ott, returning from injury, is anticipated to lead the rushing attack with about 18 carries for 85 yards.
  • Wide Receiver: Jonathan Brady may emerge as a primary target, with projections of 6 receptions for 80 yards.

UNLV Rebels

  • Quarterback: Hajj-Malik Williams is projected to complete about 9 passes on 17 attempts for 130 yards.
  • Running Back: Jai’Den Thomas is expected to be the workhorse, with projections of 22 carries for 110 yards.
  • Wide Receiver: Ricky White is anticipated to secure 4 receptions totaling 70 yards.

Betting Trends and Insights

  • California is 2-5 against the spread (ATS) in their last 7 games.
  • The total has gone under in 10 of California’s last 15 games.
  • UNLV is 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games.
  • The total has gone over in 5 of UNLV’s last 7 games.

Conclusion

This LA Bowl matchup presents an intriguing contest between a California team adapting to recent changes and a UNLV squad looking to cap off a strong season despite coaching upheaval. The game is expected to be competitive, with both teams aiming to overcome their respective challenges.

For the latest predictive analytics and detailed betting data on this matchup, visit our matchup page.

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