By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
The 2024-25 SuperWest postseason kicks off with the LA Bowl on Wednesday as California of the ACC takes on No. 24 UNLV from the Mountain West.
The Bears hope to establish momentum for next year after a disappointing season while the Rebels look to cap their breakthrough 10-win campaign with another victory.
Following my incorrect pick for the Championship Game, my overall record involving ACC games is now 69-37, good for a 65% success rate.
My pick for the LA Bowl, both against the spread and straight-up appears below.
California v. No. 24 UNLV
Wednesday, December 18
6:00 pm PT, ESPN
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: California -1.5
What’s at Stake: In 1984, UNLV went 11-2. The 11 wins are the most ever in program history.
On Wednesday night in Inglewood, the Rebels have a chance to match that win total.
Over the last two seasons, UNLV is 19-8 overall and 12-3 in Mountain West Conference games. It’s the best two-year stretch in the program’s history.
Head Coach Barry Odom may have departed for Purdue, but getting to 11 wins matters to the players and remaining staff under the direction of interim head coach Del Alexander.
California is in a state of flux. Fernando Mendoza hit the portal along with key wide receiver Nyziah Hunter.
A new offensive coordinator was hired and Justin Wilcox is in the middle of constructing his roster for 2025.
In some ways, this bowl game could be used as a live tryout for the players who intend to remain on the roster.
A defeat would mean the program’s fifth-straight losing season, the most in five years between 1997 and 2001.
Why UNLV Wins: Hajj-Malik Williams is accurate when throwing and effectively keeps the ball for positive plays on the ground.
The run plays within Brennan Marion’s Go-Go offense are effective, allowing UNLV to limit the number of pass plays it needs to call.
Williams doesn’t throw any interceptions. On the other side of the ball, the defense limits explosive run plays while getting short-yardage stops on the ground.
Why California Wins: The traditional ground game is established and the pass game creates explosive plays over the top.
The defense forces multiple turnovers and the front seven holds UNLV below its average of 5.6 yards per rush.
Mistakes are avoided on special teams and the defense wraps up the Rebels’ speedy receivers after the catch.
—My Picks—
Against Spread: UNLV
Straight-Up: UNLV
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Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
