The LA Bowl is set to deliver an exciting West Coast clash as Cal faces off against UNLV, both teams eager to finish their seasons on a high note. With the backdrop of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the atmosphere promises to be electric as fans gear up for this pivotal matchup.
Coaching Changes and Challenges
For UNLV, the winds of change are palpable. Following the departure of former head coach Barry Odom to Purdue, wide receivers coach Del Alexander has stepped in as the interim head coach for this game. This transition comes as the Rebels look to the future, having already secured a new head coach for the 2025 season. Will this shift in leadership provide the spark they need to end the season on a positive note?
On the other side, Cal is grappling with its own set of challenges. Offensive coordinator Mike Bloesch is expected to miss the game after the announcement of Bryan Harsin as his replacement. Adding to their woes, starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza has entered the transfer portal, leaving the Golden Bears in a precarious position as they prepare for their bowl appearance. How will they adapt to these sudden changes?
LA Bowl start time and location
The LA Bowl will kick off from SoFi Stadium at 9:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 18. This state-of-the-art venue, which opened its doors in 2020, boasts a seating capacity of approximately 70,240. Home to the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, SoFi Stadium is renowned for its innovative design, including a unique translucent roof and a massive video board that enhances the spectator experience.
How to watch Cal vs. UNLV
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN, featuring Bob Wischusen as the play-by-play announcer, Louis Riddick as the color analyst, and Kris Budden on the sidelines. Fans in the U.S. can also stream the game live through Fubo. Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, making it easy for fans to catch all the action without commitment. For a limited time, you can grab your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99, a fantastic $30 savings! This plan includes access to ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and over 200 channels of live TV and sports without the need for cable.
Radio coverage for the game
For those who prefer to listen to the game, you can catch the Cal broadcast on SiriusXM channel 371, while UNLV fans can tune into channel 84 for team-specific commentary. SiriusXM offers a free trial for the first month, allowing you to enjoy live coverage of not just college football, but also NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and more.
What to expect from the matchup
As both teams prepare for this crucial game, the stakes are high. Cal will need to find a way to rally without Mendoza, while UNLV looks to capitalize on their interim coaching situation. This LA Bowl presents an opportunity for both squads to showcase their resilience and determination. Can Cal adapt quickly enough to overcome their hurdles? Will UNLV’s new leadership inspire a strong performance?
The LA Bowl, which began in 2021, primarily features teams from the Mountain West and Pac-12 conferences, and is hosted by football legend Rob Gronkowski. This year’s matchup is particularly significant for both teams as they look to establish momentum heading into the offseason.
College football bowl schedule 2024-25
As we look ahead, the college football bowl schedule is packed with exciting matchups. Here’s a glimpse of what’s on the horizon:
Wednesday, Dec. 18
| Bowl | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boca Raton Bowl | Western Kentucky vs. James Madison | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
| LA Bowl | Cal vs. UNLV | 9 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
Thursday, Dec. 19
| Bowl | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Bowl | Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston | 7 p.m. | ESPN2, Fubo |
Friday, Dec. 20
| Bowl | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cure Bowl | Jacksonville State vs. Ohio | Noon | ESPN, Fubo |
| Gasparilla Bowl | Florida vs. Tulane | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
| CFP First Round | Notre Dame vs. Indiana | 8 p.m. | ABC, ESPN, Fubo |
With the LA Bowl just around the corner, fans can expect a thrilling encounter as Cal and UNLV battle it out for a satisfying conclusion to their seasons. Will they rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement of college football is alive and well!
