Two programs with successful seasons and new coaching situations will meet in Texas as the UNLV Rebels face the Ohio Bobcats in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl. Both teams will look to cap their years with a bowl victory under the national spotlight.
1. Game Overview
- Matchup: UNLV Rebels (10-3) vs. Ohio Bobcats (8-4)
- Event: 2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl
- Date: Tuesday, December 23
- Time: 9:00 PM EST
- Location: Ford Center in Frisco, Texas
- TV Schedule: ESPN
2. Team Form and Analysis
UNLV Rebels
The UNLV Rebels are coming off a historic season that saw them reach the Mountain West Championship game. Despite a loss to Boise State in that title contest, the Rebels compiled an impressive 10-3 record. The offense has been a major strength, averaging 35.9 points per game. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea has been a key part of that success. The program is in a state of transition, as former coach Barry Odom departed for Purdue, and UNLV made a high-profile hire by bringing in former SEC head coach Dan Mullen to lead the team.
Ohio Bobcats
The Ohio Bobcats enter the Frisco Bowl with a solid 8-4 record. The program is also navigating a coaching change, with interim coach John Hauser leading the team for the bowl game. It was recently announced that Brian Smith has been promoted to be the program’s 30th head coach, but he will not take the helm until after this contest. Information on specific key players and recent game performance for the Bobcats was not available in the provided data.
3. Injury Report
Based on the available information, there are no significant injuries reported for key players on either the UNLV Rebels or the Ohio Bobcats. Both teams are expected to be at or near full strength for the Frisco Bowl.
4. Betting Odds Breakdown
- Point Spread: UNLV -6.5
- Total (Over/Under): 66.5
The point spread indicates that UNLV is favored to win the game by 6.5 points. For a bet on UNLV to win, they must defeat Ohio by 7 or more points. A bet on Ohio will win if they win the game outright or lose by 6 points or fewer. The total, or over/under, is set at 66.5 points. Bettors can wager on whether the combined final score of both teams will be over or under that number. This high total suggests that oddsmakers anticipate a high-scoring offensive game. Some sportsbooks have the total listed slightly lower at 64.5 or 65.5, but the market consensus points toward a shootout.
5. Prediction
UNLV enters this matchup with a more impressive overall resume, highlighted by a conference championship appearance and a high-powered offense. The Rebels’ ability to put up points, as evidenced by their 35.9 PPG average, gives them a distinct advantage, particularly in a game with a high projected total of 66.5 points.
While both teams are in a state of coaching transition, the presence of veteran coach Dan Mullen on the UNLV sideline could provide a steadying influence and motivation. Ohio has had a respectable season, but UNLV’s proven offensive firepower and stronger season-long performance make them the clear favorite. Expect the Rebels to control the tempo and win a high-scoring affair.
Prediction: UNLV 41, Ohio 31
Sources:
Ohio University Football History vs Miami University (OH)
Miami University RedHawks Football History vs Ohio University
Brian Smith Named Ohio Football Head Coach – Ohio University
UNLV Names Dan Mullen Head Football Coach – University of …
Ohio to Clash with UNLV at 2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl …
Football – University of Nevada Las Vegas Athletics
FSM Feature: UNLV’s Future After Barry Odom Leaves For Purdue2 …
2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl Prediction: UNLV vs Ohio …
Miami (OH) vs. Unlv football series history – Winsipedia
CFP Anger Index: Who should be most angry in Week 14? – ESPN