California vs. UNLV Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for LA Bowl

Reed Wallach | Dec 17, 2024

Nov 30, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; California Golden Bears running back Jaydn Ott (1) in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the California Golden Bears at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Cal and UNLV meet in Los Angeles, California this bowl season in the LA Bowl with two West Coast teams trying to finish their respective seasons on a high note. 

The Rebels came up short in the Mountain West Championship Game and now will be down its head coach Barry Odom after he took the vacant Purdue job. Will UNLV rally to finish its season on a high note, or will the team fall short to ACC upstart Cal, who had a competitive first season in its new league, but will need to find answers after quarterback Fernando Mendoza hit the transfer portal.

Here’s our betting preview for the 2024 LA Bowl!

California vs. UNLV Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

• California : +2.5 (-110)
• UNLV: -2.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• California: +108
• UNLV: -130

Total: 48.5 (Over -106/Under -114)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

California vs. UNLV How to Watch

• Date: Wednesday, December 18th
• Game Time: 9:00 PM EST
• Venue: SoFi Stadium
• How to Watch (TV): ESPN
• California Record: 6-6
• UNLV Record: 10-3

California vs. UNLV Key Players to Watch

California

Jaydn Ott: With Mendoza hitting the transfer portal, more pressure will fall on Ott, who has dealt with injuries all season. After rushing for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, Ott has been limited to less than three yards per carry in nine games.

UNLV

Hajj-Malik Williams: Williams stepped in for Matthew Sluka midway through the season and guided UNLV to the Mountain West Championship Game. The dual-threat quarterback paced an elite offense in the Group of Five ranks with an explosive passing game and a potent ground game. Overall, he totaled more than 2,600 yards with 26 touchdowns and five interceptions. 

California vs. UNLV Prediction and Pick

If there’s a side that is to be hit with more opt outs, I’d say UNLV is in more danger, as of this writing. 

The Rebels lost coach Barry Odom, and the team could see prized offensive coordinator Brennan Marion also exit the program. Further, keep an eye on stud wide receiver Ricky White as well if he opts out of the game. 

Meanwhile, Cal put together a strong season despite injuries along the roster, playing up to sturdy competition all season in the ACC. However, with Mendoza opting out, the team is in a state of flux. Backup quarterback Chandler Rogers hasn't been practicing much in the lead up to the bowl game, so quarterback duties can be up to Ohio transfer CJ Harris and true freshman EJ Caminong.

Justin Wilcox also says that the LA Bowl will be a collaborative effort in regards to play calling

Chandler Rogers is recovering from injury and may make it back, CJ Harris and EJ Caminong are taking the majority of QB reps right now

— Thomas Dunn (@Thomasdunn24) December 11, 2024

It’s worth noting that there could be a mismatch with UNLV’s defensive line ranking top 20 in sacks against a Cal offense that is bottom five in sacks allowed. However, I believe that the Rebels' defensive line metrics are propped up against Mountain West competition and that the team is more vulnerable than expected at allowing explosive plays, which is impactful against a big play-hunting Golden Bears offense. 

Meanwhile, the Cal defense has been elite against the run all season, top 20 in yards per carry allowed, which can put the UNLV offense behind the sticks early and often and put more pressure on the team’s passing game. Williams was able to create chunk plays with his arm, but this team is reliant on getting ahead of schedule with a successful ground attack.

There's plenty of uncertainty in this one, making for what should be a chaotic betting market. After moving to Cal -4, the market has moved to UNLV -2 as of this writing with likely more money pouring in on the Rebels. However, I'm not sure I can trust an interim head coach to take care of business as a favorite.

Instead, I'll opt for the under with question marks on both sides and the possibility that the Cal offense craters without Mendoza or its play caller.

PICK: UNDER 48

---

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Follow Reed on Twitter @ReedWallach and get all his college football bets on betstamp @rw33

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.