Expert predictions for Las Vegas Bowl v Oregon State

Full disclosure: I am VERY high on Jonathan Smith and the Oregon State Beavers. Smith, a former Oregon State quarterback, has managed to completely turn around the program in just a few years. He has an argument for best coach in program history, and I believe he should have been considered for a variety of open jobs this coaching cycle.

Oregon State is a program that is currently at its ceiling. They’re never going to be the best program in their state, let alone in the Pac-12. Nine wins, with a massive win against their big-money rival Oregon, is above and beyond what many believed the Beavers were capable of. Simply put, Jonathan Smith is a “capital C” coach and deserves to be respected as such.

Notice I didn’t start by talking about the Gators. And for good reason. The last two games of the season did not go the way the team, fans, or even those of us who cover the team, hoped it would go. While there were some positives, it’s clear that the rebuild is still in progress.

In addition, most of the players who produced this season are sitting out, headlined by Anthony Richardson and Ventrell Miller. Factor in that the Florida roster is depleted with over a dozen players in the transfer portal, and you’re left with an exhibition game where the young guys can make a good impression for minutes next season.

Hurts to say, but this one isn’t even close. Credit to the Beavers for a great season and credit to Napier for doing everything right off the field while showing some improvements on the field.

Oregon State 31, Florida 17