Barry Odom did much for UNLV football. But that made him too attractive to bigger programs. Odom led the UNLV Rebels to two of the best seasons in program history. Odom announced that he was leaving UNLV to take the head coaching position with the Purdue Boilermakers. As a result, the Rebels were uncertain about who would coach the LA Bowl against the California Golden Bears. Additionally, the Rebels will be going through a Betting on College Football search for a new head coach. Additionally, players could enter the transfer portal because of Odom’s departure.
LA Bowl California Golden Bears vs. UNLV Rebels
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 9 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | -1½ -110 | 50½ -110 | – |  |
| UNLV | +1½ -110 | 50½ -110 | – | |
| ||||
LA Bowl Overview
Specifically, SoFi Stadium is a new state-of-the-art venue in suburban Los Angeles. It is home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers of the NFL. SoFi Stadium is looking for additional bookings beyond its two NFL tenants as a sparkling new host. Additionally, LA serves as a tourist magnet. Especially in December when much of the United States turns cold. All of this makes for the ingredients of a new bowl game. The LA Bowl hosted by Gronk is the result of such opportunism.
Utah State won the first LA Bowl as they got past Oregon State. Cooper Legas threw for 171 yards and two TDs to lead the Aggies. Also, Calvin Tyler Jr added 120 yards rushing with a TD. And Deven Thompkins had six catches for 115 yards and a score.
In 2022, Fresno State beat Washington State. Jake Haener’s 280-yard passing led the Bulldogs with two TDs. And Jordan Mims added 209 yards rushing with two TDs. Fresno State outgained Wazzu 501-182. In 2023, after coming in early in the second half, Ethan Garbers threw for 152 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, TJ Harden rushed for two touchdowns, and UCLA rallied for a 35-22 victory over Boise State in the LA Bowl. The Bruins trailed 16-7 at halftime and scored on their first three drives in the second half to take control of the contest.
California Golden Bears Team Overview
Last game, the California Golden Bears lost 38-6 against the SMU Mustangs as 12.5-point road dogs. The game went under the offshore betting total of 54.5. Cal has a record of 6-6 straight up, 6-6 against the spread, and 4-7-1 over/under the total. Cal ranks 70th for total offense, 27th for passing, 108th for rushing, and 82nd for scoring. Defensively, they rank 41st overall, 94th against the pass, 16th against the rush, and 41st for points allowed. Also, Cal ranks 17th for fewest turnovers lost and 4th for takeaways.
UNLV Rebels Team Overview
Last game, the UNLV Rebels lost 21-7 against the Boise State Broncos as 4-point road dogs. The game went under the Betting on College Football total of 57.5. UNLV has a record of 10-3 straight up, 7-5 against the spread, and 6-6 over/under the total. UNLV ranks 35th for total offense, 121st for passing, 5th for rushing, and 14th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 50th overall, 106th against the pass, 17th against the rush, and 37th for points allowed. Also, UNLV ranks 15th for fewest turnovers lost and 8th for takeaways.
LA Bowl SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Cal will bring more stability and an ACC Power Four pedigree.
LA Bowl SBG Best Bet: California Golden Bears.