It’s been a disappointing first season in Gainesville for Florida coach Billy Napier and his 6-6 Gators squad, but they can get their first bowl victory since 2019 with a win over Oregon State on Saturday afternoon in the Las Vegas Bowl. The Beavers (9-3) want this one too though as they lost the LA Bowl last year 24-13 against Utah State and haven’t had a postseason victory since the 2013 Hawaii Bowl.
Before Betting on the Las Vegas Bowl
It’s been a nice turnaround in Corvallis as coach Jonathan Smith has taken the Beavers to consecutive bowl games, was named the Pac-12 co-Coach of the Year, and led his team to a 38-34 win over rival Oregon in the regular season finale. Smith was rewarded for his efforts with a $30 million contract extension from his alma mater.
Oregon State’s success has come with a solid defense and a good running game. RB Damien Martinez started getting feature back carries October 15th against Washington State and hasn’t looked back, gaining 100+ yards in six straight games. That trend should continue against a Gators squad that gave up 177.8 rush yards/game this season.
Florida’s chances of winning the Las Vegas Bowl have taken a hit with the announcement that star QB Anthony Richardson will forego this game as he prepares for the NFL Draft. Richardson didn’t have the year many expected as a preseason Heisman candidate, but he did show flashes with 4 total TD games against Texas A&M and Tennessee and throwing for six total TDs the last two games of the regular season.
What makes matters worse for Florida is that backup QB Jalen Kitna has been booked on child pornography charges meaning Ohio State transfer Jack Miller III makes his first career start.
Florida vs Oregon State NCAAF Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | Florida (3.5) | OSU (1.33) | 53.5 | Florida +8 (1.91) | OSU -8 (1.91) |
| Bovada | Florida (3.5) | OSU (1.32) | 53.5 | Florida +8 (1.91) | OSU -8 (1.91) |
| BetUS | Florida (3.40) | OSU (1.34) | 53.5 | Florida +7.5 (1.91) | OSU -7.5 (1.91) |
| SportsBetting.ag | Florida (3.5) | OSU (1.33) | 53.5 | Florida +8.5 (1.91) | OSU -8.5 (1.91) |
| Pinnacle | Florida (3.51) | OSU (1.33) | 53 | Florida +7.5 (1.95) | OSU -7.5 (1.92) |
| MyBookie | Florida (3.6) | OSU (1.29) | 53.5 | Florida +8 (1.91) | OSU -8 (1.91) |
Las Vegas Bowl Prediction & Pick
Richardson is not the only UF player opting out of this game as O’Cyrus Torrence, Ventrell Miller, and Justin Shorter are all choosing not to play. Torrence is the Gators’ best lineman and Shorter their 2nd leading receiver, so Miller doesn’t have many reinforcements in his first collegiate start. Beavers big.
Pick: Oregon State -7.5
