PREVIEW and PREDICTION: UNLV-Cal Set to Battle in the LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk

Cal vs. UNLV

LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk

Wednesday, 12/18, 6 PM – SoFi Stadium

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck | Remote Reporter: Jake Twining

Watch Live on ESPN

PREVIEW:

It’s officially Bowl Season in FBS College Football, and the LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk at SoFi Stadium will showcase an exciting matchup between the UNLV Rebels and the Cal Golden Bears. The Rebels, runner-ups in the Mountain West Conference, boast a 10-3 record, while the Golden Bears come in at 6-6 after a rollercoaster season.

Last year’s LA Bowl saw the UCLA Bruins defeat the Boise State Broncos 35-22, with Ethan Garbers (Corona del Mar alum) and Darius Muasau earning MVP honors. This year’s edition promises another thrilling showdown.

Cal Golden Bears

The Golden Bears enter the bowl game with a 6-6 record, starting the season strong with a 3-0 streak, including wins against UC Davis, Auburn, and San Diego State. They also played a close game against the 13th-ranked Miami Hurricanes. However, their momentum waned toward the end of the season.

Cal’s last game was a tough ACC matchup on November 30th against the 10th-ranked SMU Mustangs in Dallas, Texas. SMU, the final team to clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff, defeated Cal decisively. The Bears rotated quarterbacks in that game, with Chandler Rodgers completing 9 of 15 passes for 84 yards and CJ Harris going 6 of 11 for 76 yards.

On the defensive side, Teddye Buchanan and Marcus Harris led the Golden Bears with five tackles each. Heading into the LA Bowl, Cal will aim to cap their season with a victory and build momentum for 2025.

UNLV Rebels

The UNLV Rebels arrive at SoFi Stadium ranked 24th in the nation with a 10-3 record. They were runners-up in the Mountain West Conference after a hard-fought championship game against the Boise State Broncos, who are now ranked third in the College Football Playoff.

The Rebels’ offense is led by quarterback Haji-Malik Williams, who recorded 13 completions on 28 attempts for 118 yards in the conference championship. Williams also added 56 rushing yards on 21 carries. Running back Greg Burrell contributed 47 rushing yards and a touchdown on five carries.

Defensively, UNLV was anchored by standout performances from Jackson Woodard and Alexander Whitmore, each tallying six solo tackles. Additionally, the Rebels feature Christian Moore, a former Huntington Beach Oiler, in the fullback role.

UNLV aims to end its impressive season on a high note and position itself as a contender for the College Football Playoff in 2025.

PREDICTIONS

Richard’s Prediction:

The Cal Golden Bears put on a show and spoil the Vegas Rebels’ day with a 35-32 victory.

JP’s Prediction:

The Rebels win the 4th annual LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk with a 28-17 victory.

Jake’s Prediction:

UNLV goes back to Vegas with a 31-21 Bowl Game victory.