Today’s action throws up two interesting college football bowl games, with the Boca Raton and AOS LA editions coming to a screen, if not a stadium, near you. Let’s check them out…
College bowl previews: Wed, Dec 18Boca Raton Bowl: Western Kentucky vs James Madison
First on the docket is the Boca Raton Bowl, featuring Western Kentucky and James Madison. This matchup brings together two teams that haven’t crossed paths before, but their trajectories have been quite different leading up to today. Western Kentucky, with its knack for showing up in December, has won bowl games in each of the past three years. JM, meanwhile, is relatively new to the FBS scene, now in its third full year, and still finding its postseason footing.
The Hilltoppers boast a high-powered offense led by quarterback Caden Veltkamp, who threw 23 touchdown passes this season, and kicker Lucas Carneiro, who’s nailed 17 consecutive field goals. They’ve shown they can deliver under pressure – a skill that’s earned them two prior Boca Raton Bowl victories.
Madison, however, brings a defensive edge that could tilt the scales. The Dukes allowed the fewest points in the Sun Belt Conference, and defensive lineman Eric O’Neill ranks in the national top 10 for sacks. Still, JMU’s starting quarterback, Alonza Barnett III, is sidelined with an injury, leaving backup Billy Atkins to take the reins. Atkins’ limited experience adds an unpredictable element to this already intriguing showdown.
Art of Sport LA Bowl: UNLV vs California
Later in the evening, the Art of Sport LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk pits UNLV against California. Yes, that’s the official name – and it’s fittingly flashy for a game hosted in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. UNLV, ranked No. 24, faces a Cal team that’s been up and down all season.
Rob Gronkowski was asked today at the LA Bowl press conference if he thinks he would have played his entire career at Arizona had he been in college during the NIL/transfer portal era.
“I’m kind of more of a guy that is more about loyalty.” pic.twitter.com/WovUtQWRns
— Matt Moreno (@MattRMoreno) December 18, 2024
The Rebels are riding a strong 10-3 campaign, while the Golden Bears are looking to prove they’re more than just their 6-6 record suggests.
How to watch Boca Raton Bowl and Art of Sport LA Bowl
Both games will air on ESPN, making it easy to switch channels and catch all the action. The Boca Raton Bowl starts at 5:30 p.m. ET, while the Art of Sport LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk kicks off at 9:00 p.m. ET.
With back-to-back games, you’ll have plenty of football to keep you entertained well into the evening.
Odds and predictionsBoca Raton Bowl: Western Kentucky vs James Madison
Western Kentucky enters the Boca Raton Bowl as a 6.5-point underdog, with the total set at 52 points across most sportsbooks. James Madison’s defense has been its calling card all season, but with their starting quarterback out, the Dukes’ offensive stability is a question mark. Western Kentucky’s consistency in bowl games makes them a tempting pick against the spread.
Art of Sport LA Bowl: UNLV vs California
In the LA Bowl, UNLV and Cal are listed as a pick’em, with the over/under set at 48 points. UNLV has been the steadier team this season, but Cal’s ability to overcome key absences could make this a closer contest than expected.
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Both games promise competitive matchups and potential surprises, making them must-watch events for college football fans.
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