Cal vs. UNLV: Predictions, odds, how to watch Art of Sport LA Bowl today

California and UNLV will have their own set of challenges as the two football teams meet up in Los Angeles in the Art of Sport Bowl this evening.

Cal is turning to a new starting quarterback after Fernando Mendoza entered the transfer portal. Chandler Rogers, transferred to Cal for the 2024 season after spending time at both Louisiana-Monroe and North Texas, is expected to start for the Golden Bears. Rogers played sparingly throughout the season but saw his most significant time in the 38-6 blowout loss to SMU.

Cal will also be without Mike Bloesch, who served as offensive coordinator throughout the season.

UNLV enters the bowl game with an interim head coach after head Barry Odom departed following the Rebels' loss to Boise State in the Mountain West championship game. Odom, who spent two seasons on the sideline at UNLV, was named head coach of Purdue.

Wide receivers coach Del Alexander will serve as interim head coach for the Rebels against Cal tonight. UNLV is expected to have most of their starters as Odom's departure did not cause an immediate mass exodus of players in the following days.

Here are the latest predictions, betting odds for the Art of Sport Bowl and how to watch Cal vs. UNLV:

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Cal vs. UNLV: Art of Sport Bowl predictions

USA TODAY: Vast majority picks UNLV

• Scooby Axon: UNLV

• Jordan Mendoza: UNLV

• Paul Myerberg: UNLV

• Erick Smith: Cal

• Eddie Timanus: UNLV

• Dan Wolken: UNLV

College Football News: UNLV ‘playing with house money’

Pete Fiutak writes "This one is all about watching to make sure the top Rebels stick around. If so, the defense should dominate a banged up and pieced together Bear line that should be without a few starting parts."

Sports Illustrated: Cal ML (-130)

Reed Wallach writes "Given the looming uncertainty for UNLV along the sidelines and on the field, I’m going with the more trustworthy product in Cal to win the LA Bowl."

College Football Network: UNLV over Cal

James Fragoza writes “While the Rebels face coaching uncertainties, their talent edge and high-powered playmakers should give them the upper hand.”

Picks and Parlays: Running with the Rebels

David Anicetti writes “UNLV will win this matchup with a superior offense that scores an average of 36.2 points per game while its defense holds opponents to 21.9 points per game. California scores 26.1 per game but allows 22.2 per game.”

Cal vs. UNLV: Art of Sport Bowl odds

The California Golden Bears are favorites to defeat the UNLV Rebels, according to BetMGM NCAA odds.

Odds as Tuesday evening:

• Spread: UNLV (-3)

• Moneyline: UNLV (-145); Cal (+120)

• Over/under: 47.5

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How to watch Cal vs. UNLV in Art of Sport Bowl

• Date: Wednesday, Dec. 18

• Time: 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT)

• Location: SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles

• TV: ESPN

• Stream: Fubo

Stream college bowl games with a Fubo subscription

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cal vs UNLV today: Predictions and odds for LA Bowl