We’re in the thick of bowl season. With just a week until Christmas, the sports world is buzzing — football, bowl games, college basketball, NHL and everything else you can imagine. Plenty of action means plenty of opportunities to cash tickets, and I’m giving you a FREE California-UNLV CFB pick for tonight. Be sure to head to OddsShopper for more expert CFB picks and best bets, college football betting advice and +EV college football bets!
Free College Football Expert Pick Today: California-UNLV
Yesterday, I cashed in on Memphis-West Virginia in a points-heavy affair. That one wasn’t even close in the best way possible, and we needed it. Bowl season can be a minefield with all the moving parts, but it’s also a chance to find real edges if you stay ahead of the news.
Want even more of my picks and insights? Join Tails By OddsShopper and become part of a thriving community of sharp bettors!
Plus, score all my picks and tips for 50% OFF with code JAZZRAZ50 at checkout!
Free CFB Expert Pick: UNLV -3
Cal comes into this one at 6-6, but it’s limping to the finish line. It was absolutely destroyed by SMU in its last game, losing 38-6. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza missed that game due to injury and has since opted out of the bowl season. That leaves Cal scrambling at the quarterback position, with Chandler Rogers and C.J. Harris as potential options. Neither inspires much confidence, and Harris would likely bring a limited option-style offense to the table.
Beyond its quarterback woes, Cal is dealing with several absences. It has lost a couple of wide receivers, a key offensive tackle and a handful of defensive contributors. This team is far from healthy, and its offense was never prolific to begin with.
Cal’s defense has been the stronger side of the ball, particularly its run defense. But with so many moving pieces and a lack of offensive firepower, it’s in a tough spot against a UNLV team that’s firing on all cylinders.
UNLV is 10-3 on the year and much healthier heading into this matchup. It has everyone ready to go, and its identity as a team is crystal clear. It plays fast and leans heavily on its ground game, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and 43 rushing attempts per game.
Now, credit to Cal — its run defense is solid. But UNLV’s defense is equally strong against the run, and I don’t see Cal finding much success through the air with its quarterback situation in flux. This game feels like strength versus strength, but the key difference is that UNLV’s offense is intact and operating as designed, while Cal is piecing things together.
Unless Cal’s defense puts up a Herculean effort and completely stifles UNLV’s running game, I don’t see how it will keep up. If UNLV finds any rhythm on offense, I expect them to control the game and cover the 3-point spread with room to spare.
Best California-UNLV Bet: UNLV -3 (-115) at ESPN BET
