The Florida Gators will play the Oregon State Beavers on Saturday afternoon in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Florida Gators are 6-6 this season after they lost to Florida State by a score of 45-38 in their last game. Florida allowed 497 total yards and turned the ball over once in the loss. Florida started the season 4-2, but finished by losing four of their last six games. The Florida offense is averaging 31.8 points per game with 227.5 passing yards per game and 213.7 rushing yards per game. Florida starting quarterback Anthony Richardson is skipping this game to prepare for the NFL draft. Florida is really short at quarterback and will be starting Jack Miller, who has not played this season. Montrell Johnson Jr. has rushed for 827 yards and 10 scores, while Ricky Pearsall (questionable) has caught 29 passes for 596 yards and five touchdowns for Florida. The Florida defense is giving up 28.8 points per game and 415.8 yards per game.
The Oregon State Beavers are 9-3 this season after they defeated Oregon by a score of 38-34 in their last game. Oregon State was out gained by a total of 470-328, but forced five turnovers on downs in the win. Oregon State finished the season by winning six of their last seven games and is ranked #14 in the country. The Oregon State offense is averaging 32.4 points per game with 200.4 passing yards per game and 199.2 rushing yards per game. Ben Gulbranson has thrown for 1,290 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions for the Beavers this season. Damien Martinez has rushed for 970 yards and seven scores, while Tre’Shaun Harrison has caught 52 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns for Oregon State. The Oregon State defense is allowing 21.4 points per game with 342.3 yards per game.
Florida is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on grass and 4-9 ATS in their last 13 neutral site games. The over is 5-2 in Florida’s last 7 neutral site games. Oregon State is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games. The over is 9-2 in Oregon State’s last 11 games on grass.
Florida comes into this game after a 6-6 season and will be starting a quarterback who has not played yet this season, while Oregon State had a great season and just beat their in-state rival. I question whether or not the Gators will care about playing in this bowl game, but we know the Beavers will be pumped up looking to get their 10th win of the year. Florida’s defense was a mess this season and has allowed 76 points in their last two games. I like Oregon State to win easily here.
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
