UNLV and Cal clash in a high-stakes bowl game showdown at SoFi Stadium

Inglewood, California, is preparing to host the fourth annual LA Bowl on December 18, with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) taking on the University of California, Berkeley (Cal). This matchup comes after a significant college football season where UNLV finished with a 10-3 record, placing second in the Mountain West Conference due to the selection of Boise State for the College Football Playoff. Notably, UNLV's only losses were against Syracuse—a team that also defeated Cal—and Boise State, whom they faced twice, including in the Mountain West Championship game. Cal, on the other hand, had a challenging season, ending with a 6-6 record and 2-6 in conference play. This marks their first year in the Atlantic Coast Conference following a considerable realignment in college football conferences. The Golden Bears were picked after the Washington Huskies secured a spot in the Sun Bowl, making this an important opportunity for Cal, who is hoping for a winning campaign after five years of difficulties. The LA Bowl, hosted by NFL star Rob Gronkowski, typically matches a Pac-12 team with a team from the Mountain West. With Boise State's elevated status in the playoff selection, UNLV was granted the opportunity to participate, allowing them to compete on a grand stage. The game is also particularly meaningful for UNLV's interim head coach, Del Alexander, who has deep Los Angeles ties, having grown up in the area and played football at USC. As the game approaches, both teams are focused on making an impression, with rematches and seasons behind them, eager to end the year on a high note. The game's outcome will have ripple effects for both programs in terms of recruitment, momentum heading into the offseason, and the overall perception of their respective seasons in the college football landscape.