No. 17 Oregon State looks for rare 10-win season in LV Bowl

LAS VEGAS (AP) — No. 17 Oregon State rolls into the Las Vegas Bowl off a victory over rival Oregon, with six wins in seven video games and the prospect to make faculty historical past.

Solely two Beavers groups have reached double-digit wins, the primary time in 2000 when Jonathan Smith was the quarterback.

Now Smith is the Beavers’ coach and hopes to attain 10 victories for the primary time since 2006, which Oregon State (9-3) will attain if it beats Florida (6-6) on Saturday.

“That’s the No. 1 factor, get the tenth win,” Oregon State proper guard Brandon Kipper stated. “We’ve talked about all of it week. We’ve talked about all of it season. Getting that tenth win is an enormous deal, particularly in Oregon State historical past.”

Oregon State faces Florida quarterback Jack Miller, who will make his first begin of the season. Just some weeks in the past, he was No. 3 on the depth chart. However starter Anthony Richardson declared for the NFL draft and backup Jalen Kitna was arrested on child-pornography prices and launched from this system.

Nonetheless, Miller won’t be a typical No. 3. He was a touted switch from Ohio State and sure No. 2 QB, however reportedly broke his thumb in preseason.

“You see a bit totally different look in his eye,” Florida coach Billy Napier stated. “He’s excited concerning the alternative to play, and he’s labored arduous. He’s obtained the respect of his teammates. I’m excited to observe him play.”

LAS VEGAS BOWL EXPERIENCE

It’s Florida’s first look within the Las Vegas Bowl, however not the primary for broad receiver Ricky Pearsall.

He performed for Arizona State in final yr’s recreation, catching 4 passes for 65 yards in a 20-13 loss to Wisconsin. Pearsall stated he shared his experiences along with his Florida teammates.

“It’s Vegas, so it speaks for itself,” Pearsall stated. “I really feel like they do a extremely good job right here with all people on workers creating an excellent bowl atmosphere. And, clearly, the stadium is gorgeous.”

Pearsall leads the Gators with 596 yards and 5 touchdowns receiving. His 29 catches are tied for second on the workforce.

STICKING AROUND

Kipper thought-about stepping away from Oregon State after final season. He’d been there 5 years and earned his diploma.

However the Beavers misplaced 24-13 to Utah State within the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl, and Kipper knew he needed to return.

“I knew there was nonetheless unfinished enterprise right here,” Kipper stated. “I actually needed to see this program make a full change earlier than I left. So I felt coming again another yr, I had the chance to contribute to that, to essentially go away an affect on the varsity. It was a really clear and straightforward option to make.”

NOT SITTING OUT

Many gamers who declare for the NFL draft skip bowl video games to allow them to put together and reduce the possibilities of damage.

That’s not what Florida defensive sort out Gervon Dexter Sr. selected. He stated it wasn’t a tough choice to play on this recreation regardless of receiving a second-round grade by scouts.

“We earned the suitable to play on this bowl recreation, and so I felt it was proper for me to play one final recreation with my teammates and my brothers,” Dexter stated.

A BIG DEAL

Oregon State has rewarded Smith with an new contract that takes him via the 2028 season. He’ll obtain an annual assured wage of $4.85 million starting March 1, with the deal growing by $100,000 every year.

The varsity additionally dedicated to extra cash for assistant coaches. Defensive coordinator Trent Bray had his contract prolonged via the 2024 season.

With Smith in cost, the Beavers have gone from twice profitable two video games — as soon as throughout the COVID-shortened 2020 season — to 7-6 in 2021 and now 9-3.

“We’re progressing the suitable method,” Smith stated. “We haven’t reached the top, however I believe (this bowl) reveals development.”

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