The UNLV Rebels (10-3) face the Ohio Bobcats (8-4) in the 2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl, a matchup pitting a high-powered Mountain West offense against a resilient MAC defense in what could be a competitive postseason clash. UNLV, under first-year head coach Dan Mullen, seeks its first bowl win since 2013 after a breakout season that included upsets over ranked foes like Boise State. Ohio, led by interim defensive coordinator John Hauser following head coach Brian Smith’s indefinite leave, aims for a seventh straight bowl victory, relying on quarterback Parker Navarro’s efficiency and a stout run defense. This marks the second-ever meeting between the programs, with UNLV’s explosive passing attack (averaging 34.5 points per game) clashing against Ohio’s opportunistic secondary (16 interceptions). Expect a game decided in the trenches, where turnovers and special teams could swing momentum in the neutral-site environment.

Venue Location

The game will be held at Ford Center at The Star (also known as Toyota Stadium) in Frisco, Texas. This multi-purpose venue, part of the Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters complex, has a seating capacity of 12,000 for bowl games and features a natural grass field. Opened in 2016, it’s equipped with modern amenities like high-definition video boards and premium seating, providing an intimate atmosphere for college football.

Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. CT). The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, with streaming available via ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Radio coverage includes the UNLV Sports Network and Ohio Sports Network.

Weather Forecast

Frisco’s December weather is mild but variable. For December 23, 2025, expect a high of 73°F during the day, dropping to around 50°F by kickoff, with sunny to partly cloudy skies and a low 1% chance of precipitation. Winds will be light at 7 mph, with humidity around 79%. These conditions should favor a fast-paced game, though cooler evening temps could affect grip on passes and kicks.

Injury Report

Both teams are managing key absences, with UNLV hit harder in skill positions and Ohio dealing with defensive depth issues, potentially leading to conservative strategies.

UNLV Rebels Injuries:

• Keyes Gumms (TE): Questionable (undisclosed); a hamstring issue could limit red-zone targets.
• Cameron Friel (QB): Questionable (undisclosed); backup QB’s status impacts depth behind starter Matthew Sluka.
• Alex Orji (QB): Out for season (undisclosed); suffered in September, thinning the quarterback room.
• Star running back: Out (undisclosed); a significant loss to the ground game, as noted in recent reports.
• C. Bell (WR): Out (knee, torn ACL); season-ending injury weakens the receiving corps.

Ohio Bobcats Injuries:

• Khamani Debrow (WR): Out (undisclosed); impacts receiving depth.
• Kaden Hurst (WR): Out (undisclosed); further thins the wideout group.
• Max Rodarte (WR): Out (undisclosed); additional loss to the passing game.
• Rashad Perry (WR): Out (undisclosed); multiple WR absences could hinder offense.
• K. Seegars (DL): Questionable (undisclosed); defensive line depth at risk.
• T. Mathis (CB): Questionable (undisclosed); secondary could be vulnerable if out.

Key Player Matchups

This bowl emphasizes offensive firepower against defensive opportunism, with quarterback mobility and secondary battles key in a potential high-scoring affair.

• Matthew Sluka (UNLV QB) vs. Ohio Secondary: Sluka’s dual-threat prowess (2,500+ passing yards, 1,000+ rushing yards) tests Ohio’s unit led by S Dylan Lawrence (4 PBUs), which ranks mid-pack but excels in turnovers.
• Parker Navarro (Ohio QB) vs. UNLV Front Seven: Navarro’s efficiency (2,200+ yards, 20 TDs) faces UNLV’s disruptive line, anchored by DL Alexander Whitmore (7 sacks), in a matchup that could limit Ohio’s read-option.
• UNLV WR Ricky White vs. Ohio CB Tank Pearson: White’s big-play ability (900+ yards, 8 TDs) challenges Pearson’s coverage, potentially creating mismatches if UNLV exploits Ohio’s 220 yards allowed per game.
• Ohio RB Anthony Tyus III vs. UNLV LB Jackson Woodard: Tyus’s ground game (800+ yards) tests Woodard’s tackling (team-high 100+ stops), crucial for controlling tempo against UNLV’s up-tempo attack.

Team Records

• UNLV Rebels: 10-3 overall (6-2 Mountain West), finishing second in the conference with wins over ranked teams like Boise State.
• Ohio Bobcats: 8-4 overall (6-2 MAC), third in the MAC with a strong home record.

Recent Team Forms

UNLV closed with momentum, while Ohio rebounded late after mid-season struggles.

UNLV Rebels (Last 5 Games): Averaging 33.8 points scored and 21.6 allowed, with a 4-1 finish. Form: L-W-W-W-W.

Ohio Bobcats (Last 5 Games): Averaging 30.2 points scored and 23.4 allowed, ending on a two-game win streak. Form: W-W-L-W-L.

Conference vs Conference

This features the Mountain West Conference (UNLV) against the Mid-American Conference (MAC, Ohio). Historically, MAC teams hold a 32-35 record against MWC opponents overall, but MWC squads are 4-3 in recent bowl matchups, often leveraging stronger offenses in neutral-site games.

Series History

UNLV leads the all-time series 1-0, with a +8 point differential. The lone meeting was on September 24, 1988, when UNLV won 26-18 at Sam Boyd Stadium. The programs haven’t faced off since, making this a rare rematch after 37 years. That game averaged 44 combined points, but historical trends suggest lower-scoring affairs in neutral venues.

Betting Trends

• UNLV is 8-5 ATS overall and 4-1 ATS in its last five games.
• Ohio is 5-6-1 ATS but 3-2 ATS as underdogs.
• The over has hit in 7 of UNLV’s 13 games and 6 of Ohio’s last 10.
• MWC teams are 4-2 ATS vs. MAC in bowls over the last six years.

Historical Betting Results

In the last five Frisco Bowls, favorites are 3-2 SU and ATS, with overs hitting in three. Past results include 2023 UTSA -7.5 covering in a 35-17 win, and 2022 Boise State -12 failing to cover in a 35-32 victory. Overall, underdogs have covered in 4 of the last 7 Frisco Bowls.

Game Odds

UNLV Rebels                      – 6.5

Ohio Bobcats                     65.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-4) meet the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (7-5) in the 2025 New Orleans Bowl, a matchup of Conference USA and Sun Belt teams both seeking a ninth win to cap solid turnaround seasons. WKU, under head coach Tyson Helton, boasts a potent offense averaging 35.2 points per game but enters with quarterback uncertainty after a late-season dip. Southern Miss, in its first year under head coach Blake Anderson, rides defensive improvements and the return of healthier QB Braylon Braxton to challenge the Hilltoppers’ balance. This marks the first bowl encounter between the programs, who were C-USA rivals from 2014-2021, and could feature explosive plays if WKU’s passing attack exploits Southern Miss’s secondary vulnerabilities. With both squads dealing with coaching transitions—WKU’s staff stable but Southern Miss adapting—the game may hinge on turnover margin and special teams in the dome.

Venue Location

The game will be played at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This iconic indoor stadium, home to the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, has a seating capacity of approximately 73,208 for football and features a FieldTurf surface. Opened in 1975 and renovated multiple times (most recently in 2021), it’s known for its massive video boards, premium seating, and electric atmosphere during bowl games. The dome’s climate-controlled environment eliminates weather impacts, providing a fast track for offenses.

Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. CT). The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, with streaming available via ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Radio coverage includes the Western Kentucky Sports Network and Southern Miss Sports Network.

Weather Forecast

As an indoor game at Caesars Superdome, weather won’t affect play, but for fans in New Orleans, expect mild conditions. On December 23, 2025, highs will reach around 72°F with lows near 57°F, partly cloudy skies, and a 3% chance of precipitation. Winds will be light at 4 mph, with humidity around 75%. These comfortable temps could make for an enjoyable tailgate, though any light rain wouldn’t impact the dome setting.

Injury Report

Both teams enter with key players banged up, particularly at quarterback and skill positions, potentially leading to conservative game plans.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Injuries:

• No major injuries reported heading into the bowl, but the quarterback situation remains unclear with potential depth issues. The team has been relatively healthy late in the season, allowing full participation in practices.

Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Injuries:

• Braylon Braxton (QB): Questionable (knee); sustained the injury in November but is expected to play healthier after limited action in recent games. His mobility is key to the offense.
• Additional depth players may be day-to-day, but the focus is on Braxton’s status, which could force backups like Tate Rodemaker into action if aggravated.

Key Player Matchups

This game highlights offensive explosiveness against defensive resilience, with quarterback play central amid uncertainties.

• Caden Veltkamp/TJ Finley (WKU QBs) vs. Southern Miss Secondary: WKU’s QBs combined for over 3,000 passing yards and 25 TDs; they’ll test a Golden Eagles secondary allowing 220 yards per game, led by CB MJ Daniels (3 INTs).
• Braylon Braxton (USM QB) vs. Western Kentucky LB Aiden Hall: Braxton’s dual-threat ability (2,200+ pass yards, 500+ rush yards) faces Hall’s tackling prowess (team-high 95 stops), potentially disrupting USM’s read-option plays.
• WKU WR Kisean Johnson vs. Southern Miss S Dylan Lawrence: Johnson (800+ yards, 8 TDs) brings speed against Lawrence’s coverage (4 PBUs), where big plays could open up if WKU protects the pocket.
• Southern Miss RB Frank Gore Jr. vs. WKU DL Deante McCray: Gore’s power running (1,000+ yards) challenges McCray’s disruption (6 sacks), key in controlling the clock against WKU’s up-tempo offense.

Team Records

• Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: 8-4 overall (6-2 C-USA), finishing third in Conference USA.
• Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles: 7-5 overall (5-3 Sun Belt), mid-pack in the Sun Belt West Division.

Recent Team Forms

WKU closed strong with wins, while Southern Miss stumbled late but showed grit.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (Last 5 Games): Averaging 35.6 points scored and 19.4 allowed, the Hilltoppers won four of five to end the regular season. Form: W-W-W-W-L.

Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (Last 5 Games): Averaging 29.2 points scored and 26.4 allowed, with defensive lapses in losses. Form: L-W-L-W-L.

Conference vs Conference

This pits Conference USA (Western Kentucky) against the Sun Belt Conference (Southern Mississippi). Historically, C-USA teams hold a slight 12-10 edge over Sun Belt squads in bowl games since 2010, but Sun Belt programs are 5-3 in the last eight such matchups, often excelling as underdogs with gritty defense.

Series History

Western Kentucky leads the all-time series 4-0 since 2012, with a +45 goal differential in those games. The Hilltoppers have dominated recent encounters, including a 10-7 win in 2020 and a 42-17 victory in 2012. Southern Miss seeks its first win over WKU, with the series dormant since 2020 when both were C-USA members. Games average 42.5 combined points, trending under in low-scoring affairs.

Betting Trends

• Western Kentucky is 9-3 ATS overall and 4-1 ATS in its last five games.
• Southern Miss is 5-6-1 ATS but 3-2 ATS as underdogs.
• The over has hit in 7 of WKU’s 12 games and 6 of Southern Miss’s last 10.
• C-USA teams are 4-2 ATS vs. Sun Belt in bowls over the last six years.

Historical Betting Results

In the last five New Orleans Bowls, favorites are 3-2 SU and ATS, with overs hitting in three. Western Kentucky is 3-2 ATS in bowls since 2020, while Southern Miss is 1-3 SU/ATS in its last four bowls. Series games have gone under in three of four, averaging under 40 points.

Game Odds

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers                   – 2.5

Southern Mississippi Eagles                        57.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025

The Toledo Rockets (8-4) and Louisville Cardinals (8-4) clash in the 2025 Boca Raton Bowl, a matchup pitting a surging MAC squad against an ACC team looking to cap a resilient season with a ninth win. Toledo, under interim coach Robert Weiner after Jason Candle’s departure to UConn, rides a four-game winning streak and boasts one of the nation’s top defenses. Louisville, led by head coach Jeff Brohm, overcame injuries and upsets to secure bowl eligibility, relying on veteran quarterback Tyler Shough and a stout front seven. This neutral-site game in sunny Florida could hinge on defensive play, with both units ranking among the FBS elite in points allowed. Expect a low-scoring battle where turnovers and special teams prove decisive.

Venue Location

The game will be held at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida. This outdoor venue, home to the Florida Atlantic Owls, has a seating capacity of approximately 29,419 and features a Bermuda grass field. Opened in 2011, it’s known for its intimate atmosphere and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, providing a warm-weather escape for fans. The stadium includes modern amenities like high-definition video boards and premium suites, and has hosted the Boca Raton Bowl since 2014.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, with streaming available via ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Radio coverage includes the Toledo Sports Network and Louisville Sports Network.

Weather Forecast

Boca Raton’s December weather is typically mild and sunny. For December 23, 2025, expect a high of 81°F and a low of 70°F, with partly cloudy skies and a 25% chance of precipitation. Winds will be around 15 mph from the northeast, with humidity at approximately 69%. These conditions favor a fast track but could introduce light breezes affecting field goals and punts.

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with significant absences, particularly in skill positions, which could force adjustments to run-heavy schemes.

Toledo Rockets Injuries:

• Noah Sanders (RB): Out (undisclosed, since November 29); impacts depth in the backfield.
• CC Ezirim (TE): Out (undisclosed, since November 29); weakens red-zone options.
• Zy’marion Lang (WR): Out (undisclosed, since October 25); a key receiver whose absence hurts the passing game.
• Jediyah Willoughby (WR): Out (undisclosed, since October 25); further thins the wideout group.
• Switzer (undisclosed): Questionable; uncertain to play.
• Yasin (undisclosed): Questionable; uncertain to play.

Louisville Cardinals Injuries:

• C. Bell (WR): Out (knee, torn ACL since December 10); a season-ending blow to the receiving corps.
• Isaac Brown (RB): Out (undisclosed); part of a depleted backfield.
• Multiple RBs (including all four scholarship backs per reports): Out (various injuries); forces reliance on backups like Keyjuan Brown.
• Other depth players: Questionable, with the team weathering injuries throughout the season.

Key Player Matchups

Defenses take center stage, but these battles could swing the game.

• Tucker Gleason (TOL QB) vs. Louisville Secondary: Gleason’s efficiency (over 2,500 passing yards, 20+ TDs) tests a Cardinals unit led by CB Quincy Riley (4 INTs), which ranks top-20 in pass defense.
• Tyler Shough (LOU QB) vs. Toledo Front Seven: Shough, a veteran transfer, brings experience (3,000+ yards, 25 TDs) against a Rockets defense allowing just 17.5 points per game, anchored by DT Judge Culpepper (8 sacks).
• Toledo RB Jerjuan Newton vs. Louisville LB T.J. Quinn: Newton (800+ rushing yards) faces Quinn (team-leading tackles), who could stifle the ground game in a depleted backfield matchup.
• Louisville WR Caullin Lacy vs. Toledo CB Avery Smith: Lacy’s speed (700+ yards) challenges Smith in coverage, potentially creating big plays if the Cardinals protect Shough.

Recent Team Forms

Toledo enters hot, while Louisville has been inconsistent but pulled off upsets.

Toledo Rockets (Last 5 Games): The Rockets averaged 32.4 points scored and 18.2 allowed, finishing on a four-game win streak. Form: W-W-W-W-L.

Louisville Cardinals (Last 5 Games): The Cardinals averaged 28.6 points scored and 24.4 allowed, with wins over ranked foes. Form: W-L-W-L-W.

Conference vs Conference

This features the Mid-American Conference (MAC, Toledo) against the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC, Louisville). Historically, ACC teams hold a 25-15 edge over MAC opponents in bowl games since 2000, but MAC squads are 6-4 in the last 10 such matchups, often as underdogs pulling upsets.

Team Records

• Toledo Rockets: 8-4 overall (5-3 MAC), unranked but third in MAC standings.
• Louisville Cardinals: 8-4 overall (5-3 ACC), unranked but with wins over ranked teams like Clemson.

Series History

Louisville leads the all-time series 5-3, with games dating back to 1925. The Cardinals have won four of the last five, including a 33-0 shutout in their first meeting. Toledo’s largest victory was 41-7 in 1935. The series has been dormant since 1981, with an average of 28 combined points per game historically. At neutral sites, it’s 1-1.

Betting Trends

• Toledo is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games but 4-8 ATS overall this season.
• Louisville is 5-2 ATS as favorites and 3-3 ATS on neutral fields.
• The under has hit in 6 of Toledo’s last 8 games and in 4 of the last 6 series meetings.
• MAC teams are 6-4 ATS vs. ACC in bowls over the last decade.

Historical Betting Results

In the last five Boca Raton Bowls, favorites are 3-2 SU and ATS, with unders hitting in four. Louisville is 2-3 ATS in bowls since 2020, while Toledo is 1-4 SU/ATS in its last five bowls. Series games have gone under in 5 of 8 historically.

Game Odds

Toledo Rockets                  43.5

Louisville Cardinals         – 8.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025