UNLV Rebels vs. Ohio Bobcats Preview, Prediction & Odds | Frisco Bowl – Dec 23

UNLV Rebels (10-3) at Ohio Bobcats (8-4)
Game Details: Tuesday, December 23, 7 p.m. EST
Location: Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX
Where to Watch: ESPN

Matchup

The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is setting the stage for a rare clash between the UNLV Rebels and the Ohio Bobcats this Tuesday night in Texas.

While these two programs have only crossed paths once before, way back in 1988, both squads are looking to put an exclamation point on strong seasons. It’s a battle of styles under the lights, with UNLV bringing a high-octane offense that lights up the scoreboard against an Ohio team that prefers to grind it out on the ground with a top-tier rushing attack.

For UNLV, this game represents a chance to cement a legacy of consistency, marking their third consecutive bowl appearance for the first time in school history. They are coming off a tough loss in the Mountain West Championship but have proven resilient on the road all year. On the other side, Ohio enters with momentum after a gritty win over Buffalo, looking to capitalize on their ability to control the clock and keep opposing offenses off the field.

Betting Odds

Team	Spread	Money Line	Total
UNLV Rebels	-6.5	-245	Over 66.5
Ohio Bobcats	+6.5	+200	Under 66.5

**Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports **

Tale of The Tape

UNLV Rebels	Team Stats – Avg Per Game	Ohio Bobcats
35.9	Points Per Game	28.7
256	Passing Yards Per Game	187.6
203.1	Rushing Yards Per Game	228.8
28.8	Opponents Points Per Game Allowed	22.9
249.3	Opponents Pass Yards Allowed	210.1
175.2	Opponents Rush Yards Allowed	147.9

Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports

Key Details

UNLV Rebels

The Rebels have been nothing short of electric this season, boasting an an impressive 35.9 points per game. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea has been the catalyst, throwing for over 3,200 yards and 23 touchdowns while completing 66% of his passes. But it’s not just the air attack that makes them dangerous; UNLV has rushed for at least one touchdown in 26 consecutive games. A win here would be historic, tying the program record for wins in a single season since moving to Division I, a feat that would serve as a perfect capstone to a 10-win campaign.

Head Coach Dan Mullen has his team playing with a distinct edge away from home, leading all of college football with 11 road wins since the start of last season. Despite a recent stumble against Boise State, where Colandrea still managed 225 yards through the air and a score on the ground, the Rebels have shown they can bounce back.

Ohio Bobcats

While UNLV looks to air it out, the Bobcats bring a punishing ground game that ranks 9th in the country, averaging over 229 rushing yards per contest. The offense is orchestrated by quarterback Parker Navarro, a dual-threat playmaker who recently torched Buffalo for 121 rushing yards and a touchdown.

He is complemented by workhorse running back Sieh Bangura, who has racked up 1,243 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Ohio’s strategy is clear: control the ball. They rank 18th nationally in time of possession, holding the ball for over 32 minutes a game, which could be the key to keeping UNLV’s potent offense on the sideline.

Defensively, Ohio has been solid, allowing just under 23 points per game. They are particularly stingy on third downs, allowing opponents to convert only 33% of the time. This discipline will be tested against the Rebels, but the Bobcats have momentum on their side following their 31-26 victory over Buffalo to close the regular season. If Bangura and Navarro can establish the run early and the defense can get off the field in critical moments, Ohio has the tools to slow the game down and grind out a victory in Frisco.