The 2024 LA Bowl is set to feature a matchup between the California Golden Bears (6-6) and the No. 24 UNLV Rebels (10-3) on Wednesday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The Golden Bears concluded their regular season with two losses in their last three games, including a significant defeat against No. 11 SMU (38-6) on November 30. Conversely, the Rebels aimed to extend their success but faced a setback in the Mountain West Championship Game, where they were defeated by Boise State (21-7), ending their four-game winning streak.
Despite quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s entry into the transfer portal, California hopes to leverage their strong preseason talent. Meanwhile, UNLV will be under the guidance of interim head coach Del Alexander, following Barry Odom’s recent hire at Purdue.
The game is scheduled for kickoff at 9 p.m. ET. Initially viewed as slight underdogs, the Rebels are currently favored by 3.5 points. The over/under for total points scored stands at 46.
Sports betting expert Josh Nagel, who has a proven track record in college football picks, is providing insights on the game. With extensive experience in the sports wagering industry, Nagel has a commendable 10-4 record on betting picks involving UNLV, having recently built momentum with a successful run.
Key players to watch include California’s sophomore running back Jaivian Thomas, who has been effective this season with 598 rushing yards, seven touchdowns, and a consistent performance, scoring in five of his last six games. On the passing front, tight end Jack Endries has also been instrumental, accumulating 562 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
On the opposing side, UNLV’s senior quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams is a dynamic player who excels in both passing and rushing. His impressive stats include 1,845 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, complemented by 824 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Senior receiver Ricky White III leads the Rebels with 79 receptions, making him a key target capable of changing the game.
As both teams prepare for this exciting postseason matchup, the anticipation builds around their strategies, talent, and the effort to secure a bowl victory.
Summary: The LA Bowl promises an exciting showdown between California and UNLV, each looking to bounce back from tough season-end scenarios. With key offensive players on both sides and an expert betting insight, fans can expect a captivating game that showcases college football at its best.
This matchup not only highlights the athletes’ skills but also represents a significant milestone for both programs. Whichever team secures the win will build a positive momentum going into the next season.