The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on Tuesday night features a matchup between the UNLV Rebels and the Ohio Bobcats from the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco. UNLV got 10 wins this season and will try to bounce back from a conference title game loss here, while Ohio tries to end its season with a third straight win. Before kickoff from Texas, you will find my UNLV vs Ohio prediction right here.
Our UNLV vs Ohio Pick
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: UNLV Rebels vs Ohio Bobcats
- Date & Time: Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 9 p.m. ET
- Venue: Ford Center at the Star, Frisco, Texas
- Broadcast: ESPN
Key Storylines
UNLV arrives in Frisco after completing a 10-win regular season under head coach Dan Mullen, who steered the Rebels to their third consecutive bowl appearance with a dynamic offense. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea, the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, spearheads an attack that averages nearly 36 points and ranks among the nation’s leaders in total yardage. While their defensive numbers aren’t pretty, the Rebels have consistently generated enough explosive plays to stay competitive in high-scoring affairs.
Ohio’s journey to Frisco has been more turbulent. Head coach Brian Smith was dismissed late in the season following internal issues, leaving defensive coordinator John Hauser as interim head coach. Despite the off-field distractions, the Bobcats finished 8-4 and have a potent rushing attack led by Sieh Bangura. Bangura has eclipsed 1,200 yards on the ground with 14 rushing scores. Ohio’s defense is solid, limiting opponents to under 23 points per game, but questions remain about their ability to contain UNLV’s explosive skill position players.
Quarterback Play
At the helm for the Rebels is Anthony Colandrea, whose precision and mobility have been key to UNLV’s consistent scoring. Colandrea’s ability to read defenses and make plays both through the air and on the ground sets the tone for the Rebels. Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro has over 2,000 passing yards and significant contributions on the ground. Navarro’s rushing ability, combined with Sieh Bangura’s success on the ground, allows Ohio to control games and chip away at defenses.
Betting Trends & H2H
- UNLV won the only meeting between these teams back in 1988.
- UNLV is 7-6 against the spread going into this matchup.
- Ohio is 5-6-1 against the spread so far this season.
- UNLV has gone over the total in 7 of their first 13 games.
- Ohio went 6-6 in the over/under market this season.
UNLV vs Ohio Model Projection
Final Thoughts
