Art of Sport L.A. Bowl: California vs. UNLV predictions, odds, how to watch
California and UNLV’s football programs will compete against each other for just the second time when the two play in the Art of Sport Bowl in Los Angeles. Cal earned a 20-14 nonconference victory over the Rebels in September 2022.
Both programs will look different from what they were during the season following the departure of players and members of the coaching staff.
UNLV's Barry Odom left his post as head coach to take on the same role at Purdue. Wide receivers coach Del Alexander has been named the interim head coach for the bowl game, but the Rebels already have a new coach in place for the 2025 season. Former Florida and Mississippi State coach, Dan Mullen, was hired this month.
Cal will likely be without its offensive coordinator Mike Bloesch for the bowl game after recently announcing the hire of Bryan Harsin. Golden Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza is also expected to miss the bowl game after entering the transfer portal. Chandler Rogers is expected to take on the starting role for Cal in the bowl game.
Here's what to know for Wednesday's game in Los Angeles:
Art of Sport Bowl: Cal vs. UNLV predictions
Paste BN: Vast majority picks UNLV
- Scooby Axon: UNLV
- Jordan Mendoza: UNLV
- Paul Myerberg: UNLV
- Erick Smith: Cal
- Eddie Timanus: UNLV
- Dan Wolken: UNLV
College Football News: UNLV ‘playing with house money’
Pete Fiutak writes "This one is all about watching to make sure the top Rebels stick around. If so, the defense should dominate a banged up and pieced together Bear line that should be without a few starting parts."
Sports Illustrated: Cal ML (-130)
Reed Wallach writes "Given the looming uncertainty for UNLV along the sidelines and on the field, I’m going with the more trustworthy product in Cal to win the LA Bowl."
College Football Network: UNLV over Cal
James Fragoza writes “While the Rebels face coaching uncertainties, their talent edge and high-powered playmakers should give them the upper hand.”
Picks and Parlays: Running with the Rebels
David Anicetti writes “UNLV will win this matchup with a superior offense that scores an average of 36.2 points per game while its defense holds opponents to 21.9 points per game. California scores 26.1 per game but allows 22.2 per game.”
Art of Sport Bowl: Cal vs. UNLV odds
The California Golden Bears are favorites to defeat the UNLV Rebels, according to BetMGM NCAA odds.
Odds as of evening Sunday, Dec. 15:
- Spread: Cal (-1.5)
- Moneyline: Cal (-120); UNLV (+100)
- Over/under: 48.5
Art of Sport Bowl 2024: How to watch Cal vs. UNLV
- Date: Wednesday, Dec. 18
- Time: 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT)
- Location: SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
Stream college bowl games with a Fubo subscription
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