Significant line adjustments in the UNLV-Cal LA Bowl are attributed to coaching changes and quarterback alterations.

The betting line for the LA Bowl featuring UNLV and Cal has fluctuated over the past week due to a coaching change for the Rebels and a quarterback change for the Golden Bears. As of Monday, the consensus line for the game scheduled for Wednesday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, was a pick’em, with a total set at 48. Initially, Cal was favored by 1½ points. However, following the departure of coach Barry Odom from UNLV to take the head coaching position at Purdue on December 8, the line surged to as high as -5½. Subsequently, it fell back to 1½ after Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza announced on December 11 his intention to enter the transfer portal. The line has now returned to a pick’em status. “This game presents numerous uncertainties,” stated Ed Salmons, vice president of risk at Westgate SuperBook. “The situation can change rapidly as we approach Wednesday, with updates coming in hourly. It appears that Cal may start a freshman quarterback who has yet to take a snap this season.” UNLV has appointed Dan Mullen as Odom's successor, but wide receivers coach Del Alexander will act as the interim head coach for the bowl game.

The total has decreased by 3½ points from its opening line of 51½. Cal (6-6, 6-6 ATS) ranks among the top teams in the nation for unders, holding a 7-3-2 record in that regard this season. The Rebels (10-3, 7-6 ATS) had been on a 5-2 over streak before finishing their last three games under, culminating in a 21-7 defeat to Boise State in the Mountain West championship game on December 6. “I suspect we will find ourselves rooting for Cal when the game begins,” remarked Chuck Esposito, director of the sportsbook at Red Rock Resort.