Boca Raton Bowl + LA Bowl 2024 Predictions Today, 12/18: College Football
The excitement of 2024 college football bowl season continues today with two matchups that are set up to be a lot of fun.
In the Boca Raton Bowl, James Madison goes head-to-head with Western Kentucky, a game marked by roster changes and uncertainty due to notable player absences. On the other hand, the Art of Sport LA Bowl showcases Cal battling UNLV at SoFi Stadium, where both teams are adapting to coaching transitions and evolving lineups.
These contests are set to deliver, so let’s break down both matchups with our Boca Raton Bowl prediction and LA Bowl prediction for today!
2024 Boca Raton Bowl Preview
Boca Raton Weather
We’re looking at near-perfection regarding the outlook for Wednesday evening Boca Raton weather! Temperatures will be in the mid-high 70s, and there’s only a 5% chance of rain and a slight 6 mph wind. Sounds like perfect football weather!
What Time Is The Boca Raton Bowl In 2024?
The 2024 Boca Raton Bowl is slated to kick off at 5:30 PM EST today, Wednesday, December 18th.
Where Is The Boca Raton Bowl Played?
Of course, as the name states, the Boca Raton Bowl is played in Boca Raton, Florida. Specifically, the game is played at FAU Stadium, home of the Florida Atlantic University Owls.
Western Kentucky vs. James Madison Prediction Today: 2024 Boca Raton Bowl
Although the Hilltoppers have lost some key players, quarterback Caden Veltkamp will play, which is crucial for maintaining stability. Veltkamp's presence is important for an offense that ranks 32nd in the nation for passing yards, despite some losses in the receiving group.
On the other side, James Madison is dealing with significant issues, especially with starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III out due to injury. Backup Billy Atkins will take over, but he has limited experience, having only thrown 46 passes in three years.
The Dukes have a strong rushing attack, ranked 30th nationally, which could take advantage of Western Kentucky's weak run defense, ranked 130th. However, the Hilltoppers excel in pass defense, ranking 11th in passing yards allowed, which may force JMU to run the ball more.
In the end, the unpredictable nature of bowl games makes it a more even matchup. With Western Kentucky keeping its starting quarterback and James Madison missing more key players, Hilltoppers +7 (-105 at Bet365) looks like a good play for our 2024 Boca Raton Bowl prediction.
- Expert Western Kentucky vs. James Madison Prediction: Hilltoppers +7 (-105 at Bet365)
2024 LA Bowl Preview
What Time Is The LA Bowl In 2024?
The 2024 LA Bowl is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 PM EST today, Wednesday, December 18th.
Where Is The LA Bowl Played?
The LA Bowl is played in Inglewood, California. And, because it’s played indoors at SoFi Stadium (home of the Los Angeles Rams), we know that weather will not be a factor.
Cal vs. UNLV Prediction Today: 2024 LA Bowl
UNLV will certainly miss head coach Barry Odom, who has moved to Purdue, and offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, but the team’s core remains strong. Interim coach Del Alexander takes over an offense that ranks 14th in the nation for scoring and has the fifth-best rushing game.
Cal is facing challenges, specifically at quarterback, as starter Fernando Mendoza has entered the transfer portal and backup Chandler Rogers is doubtful due to an injury. This situation may force the Bears to rely on Ohio transfer CJ Harris or freshman EJ Caminong, which significantly limits their offensive potential.
Additionally, Cal will be without leading receiver Nyziah Hunter and several starting offensive linemen, including left tackle Nick Morrow, which weakens an offense that is already ranked 69th in total yards.
With UNLV's stability in key roles and a strong rushing attack, our 2024 LA Bowl prediction has them controlling the game's tempo throughout. Given Cal's quarterback issues and lack of support, the Rebels are in a good position to cover the -3.5 spread (-110 at Bet365) and finish their season positively.
- Expert Cal vs. UNLV Prediction: UNLV -3.5 (-110 at Bet365)
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NCAA Football Scores: 2024 Bowl Games
Player News
Guardians hired Corey Kluber as a special assistant with a focus on pitching development.
The former Guardians ace will be primarily responsible for helping the pitching staff; although, there is little information on what capacity. The Guardians already have one of the most experienced and respected pitching coaches in baseball in Carl Willis, but perhaps Kluber can help with gameplans and the mental side of the game. “I probably experienced pretty close to a full spectrum of things in a career. I wasn’t a very good minor-leaguer, figured out some stuff, and still had to develop at this stage. … It’s having a lot of different types of experiences to build on. Hopefully, it presents opportunities to help guys with a lot of different things.”
Andruw Monasterio is playing shortstop and batting eighth for the Brewers on Wednesday.
The Brewers are facing right-hander Gavin Williams, and Monasterio is still getting the start over Joey Ortiz. Monasterio has started the last three games, two at shortstop and one at third base, while both Ortiz and Caleb Durbin continue to struggle. Monasterio hit .250 with four home runs and eight steals in 30 games at Triple-A this season.
Colby Thomas went 4-for-6 with three RBI and two runs scored for Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.
Thomas and his fellow Triple-A outfielder Denzel Clarke continue to put on a show in Triple-A, with Clarke also driving in three runs in this game. Clarke is on the 40-man roster while Thomas is not, but Thomas is slashing .314/.372/.551 in 37 games this season with eight home runs and two steals. The Athletics may need to find at-bats for both of these guys at some point over the summer.
Mariners C prospect Harry Ford went 4-for-4 with a home run, three RBIs, and three runs scored for Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday.
Ford is now hitting .292 with an .851 OPS, two home runs, and 12 RBI on the season. There is no spot for the 22-year-old in Seattle, but it’s nice to see him begin to find his power stroke a bit.
Dalton Rushing went 2-for-5 with a walk, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old is now hitting .308 with a .938 OPS, five home runs, and 17 RBI on the season. Rushing is primarily a catcher but has also played nine games at first base and two games in left field this season as the Dodgers look to create any path for him to get at-bats with the big league club.
Matt Shaw went 1-for-5 with a solo home run for Triple-A Iowa.
Shaw is not exactly setting the world on fire at Triple-A, slashing .257/.381/.443 in 19 games with two home runs and 3 steals. He also has 13 walks to just nine strikeouts, so his plate discipline has been tremendous. The Cubs are also giving Michael Busch pre-game work at 3B as they look to see if Moises Ballesteros can remain with the team as a regular first baseman. It seems like Shaw has a little more competition for the 3B job than we expected a few weeks ago.