Not too long ago, the California Bears and UNLV Rebels faced off for the first time, with Cal emerging victorious 20-14 to kick off the 2022 season. Both teams had some exciting moments since then, but they’re both facing a bit of uncertainty heading into this 2024 season. The two West Coast teams are set to face off in their own backyards at the LA Bowl, as both Cal and UNLV are looking to end the season on a high note.

After losing in the Mountain West Title Game, the UNLV Rebels will now be without head coach Barry Odom, who accepted the vacant Purdue position. Can Cal keep the momentum going after a strong first year in the ACC? Or will UNLV spoil the party and end the season on a high note? Whatever happens, the ESPN broadcast team’s knowledge and humor will undoubtedly make your game day.

Meet the broadcast team for the LA Bowl game

On December 19, play-by-play announcer Bob Wischusen, analyst Louis Riddick, and sideline reporter Kris Budden will call the Los Angeles Bowl game (UNLV vs Cal). This trio is coordinated enough to ensure that your game day will be exciting and fun. Don’t believe the hype? Look at what they’ve achieved so far.

Bob Wischusen is a skilled ESPN analyst who covers hockey, basketball, and CFB. Wischusen joined ESPN in 2006 as a secondary NCAA and basketball commentator. He began by covering games from mid-major leagues, such as the MAC and WAC. But in 2009, when he was brought on by ABC to serve as the voice of ACC, his CFB career took a dramatic change. In the eagerly awaited matchup between UNLV and Cal, the announcer will pair with a former NFL player.

Well, a former NFL player who played from 1991 to 1998, Louis Riddick, will contribute his expertise and time on the field. He has a football background, and thus he has a thorough understanding of the game. Riddick’s brother Rob played for the Buffalo Bills for eight seasons, and his relatives, Will and Tim Lewis, also had NFL careers. The ESPN broadcast team is now more balanced and varied thanks to Riddick’s acquisition.

But before you watch the LA Bowl, do you know which team has a better chance of winning—Cal or UNLV? Expert predictions may provide you with this solution.

Experts prediction: UNLV vs. Cal

The LA Bowl will see two teams in flux collide in a must-watch matchup. UNLV easily advanced to the postseason following a fantastic year in which they almost missed the CFP and lost the MW Title. But now that Odom has been replaced as HC by Dan Mullen, the Rebels are once again facing a lot of instability. However, they have their key players, such as QB Hajj-Malik Williams, whose versatility can challenge Cal’s defenders.

Conversely, Cal wants to have a record of victory overall after its inaugural ACC season. The Bears’ defense is designed for wearing down opponents thanks to their large turnover ratio. However, QB Fernando Mendoza checked into the NCAA transfer portal and is not available. With one of the lowest numbers of sacks permitted in the nation, the offensive has also suffered significantly in pass support. Now, with a UNLV defense that is among the top 20 in terms of sacks, that may be an issue.

Expect a close, hard-fought game between UNLV and Cal. But who will win? Experts are leaning toward Cal covering the spread at -2.5. They generally agree that California may have an advantage because of its expertise in strategic play and defensive capabilities. However, this game’s over/under is set at 51.5 points, suggesting that, considering both teams’ offensive potential and defensive shortcomings, it will be a fairly high-scoring contest. But let’s wait and see what happens on the field.