CFB Bowl Preview 2025: Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl
By Rory Daniels
Bowl season is in full swing, and we will be previewing every bowl game this year. This year’s Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl will be contested between UNLV Rebels and Ohio Bobcats. Let’s take a look at the key matchups.
Where and When
Location: Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas
Date: Thursday December 24
Time: 9pm ET / 2am GMT
Story So Far...
New Head Coach Dan Mullen didn’t miss a beat in continuing the success UNLV have enjoyed over the last couple of years. The Rebels finished the year with a 10-3 record, going 6-2 in the Mountain West Championship. They ultimately came up short there, losing to Boise State. They leaned heavily on their offense for success, averaging over 35 points a game. While the defense was less effective, former NFL coordinator Paul Guenther did make them efficient on third down and at least get the ball back in the hands of Anthony Colandrea.
While it wasn’t the biggest coaching scandal of the offseason, Ohio enters the Frisco Bowl without Head Coach Brian Smith. He was fired with cause (you can read up on the reasons) soon after the season ended. Defensive coordinator John Hauser will now step into an interim role for the Bowl game. The Bobcats went 8-4 in 2025, going 6-2 in the MAC. Their identity is based around their ability to run the ball, averaging 229.1 yards per game. Can they find a way to victory despite the rollercoaster going on behind the scenes?
The Quarterbacks
Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea continued the good QB play UNLV has enjoyed in the last couple of seasons. The Matthew Sluka saga and eventual replacement by Hajj-Malik Williams didn’t derail the Rebels in 2024, and Colandrea built on that with a highly successful 2025. He was Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, throwing for 3,275 yards and 23 TDs. He also added 621 yards and 9 TDs on the ground. Colandrea’s ability to extend plays and escape pressure is crucial to his success.
Parker Navarro is a big part of the running game from the quarterback position for Ohio. He averages 6.8 yards per carry and has eight touchdowns. That’s not to say he isn’t a good passer. Navarro passed for 2,236 yards and 14 touchdowns. The key to his having success in this will be turnovers. Navarro threw for 10 interceptions and had 11 fumbles. UNLV will be hoping for an error-strewn afternoon.
Who to Watch
UNLV Rebels
Jai’Den Thomas, Running Back
Speed back Thomas went over 100 yards in four games last year. His breakaway speed was on full show as he averaged 7.2 yards per carry. His dynamic style and Colandrea’s ability on the ground will leave the Ohio defense guessing who is more likely to come out of the backfield with the ball. Thomas was held to under 5 yards per carry by Boise State (twice) and UCLA. Can he turn up on the big stage of a bowl game?
Ohio Bobcats
Sieh Bangura, Running Back
Just like with UNLV, the running back will be a huge part of the Ohio offense. Sieh Bangura ran for 1,243 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2025. At 6’0, 216lbs, he is a different style to Thomas, and the power back will look to grind down the Rebels’ defense. He passed the 100-yard mark on seven occasions in 2025, and if Ohio are to win this, then Bengura will need a big showing.
Prediction
UNLV are nearly a touchdown favourite in this one, and the firing of Ohio coach Brian Smith means it’s hard to see Ohio overcoming a very strong UNLV side. Dan Mullen has continued the good work of Barry Odom, and the Rebels should be too good in this one.
UNLV 45-24 Ohio
Rory-Joe Daniels
COLLEGE FOOTBALL ANALYST
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.