Bowl season has arrived, and we have our first Power Five matchup with the 14th-ranked Oregon State Beavers going up against the Florida Gators in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl. The Beavers enter the game as a heavy favorite with a spread of -8.5. You can watch the game on ESPN at 1:30 p.m. ET.

How Florida Got Here & Keys to the Game:

Florida started the season with a statement win over seventh-ranked Utah. It was the perfect start for first-year head coach Billy Napier. However, after that statement win, the Gators struggled to find any consistency and finished the season 6-6 while losing four out of their last six games. Florida ended its regular season with a 45-38 road defeat in a shootout against rival Florida State.

Florida will be without some key players, none more important than star quarterback Anthony Richardson, who declared for the draft. On offense, the Gators have been great, scoring over 30 points per game with over 440 total yards. Without Richardson, the Gators will lean on sophomore running back Montrell Johnson Jr. and freshman Trevor Etienne. Ohio State freshman transfer Jack Miller III will be the starting quarterback in place of Richardson and the Gators are expected to miss their top guard O’Cyrus Torrence.

Defensively, Florida needs to show some improvements. The Gators are giving up almost 29 points on 415.8 total yards per game. Getting key stops was a huge problem for Napier’s team this season. Their best quality was their ability to force takeaways, finishing the regular season with nine interceptions, and 15 fumble recoveries. But, they will be without key pieces on defense, none more important than linebacker Ventrell Miller, who also declared for the draft.

How Oregon State Got Here & Keys to the Game:

The Oregon State Beavers come into the game winning six out of their last seven games, including a three-game winning streak capped off with a stellar 21-point comeback against the Oregon Ducks. It was the program’s second straight winning season, and another win will give the Beavers their first 10-win season since 2006.

The Beavers have one of the most balanced offenses in the country. Freshman quarterback Ben Gulbranson has shown some positive signs since taking over the starting job. Their best weapon has been First Team Freshman All-American running back Damien Martinez. Martinez has 100+ rushing yards in six straight games and is running behind a very good offensive line.

Players to Watch:

Florida:

RB Trevor Etienne — Florida’s running game has been effective all year, but with Anthony Richardson opting out, Etienne will have a much bigger role. The freshman averages 6.4 yards per carry this season. Florida will need to keep up with Oregon State’s efficient offense, and Etienne paired with Montrell Johnson Jr. will no doubt be critical in accomplishing that. 

DL Princely Umanmielen — Oregon State’s best weapon is its rushing attack. With Ventrell Miller opting out, the sophomore from Manor, Tex. will need to have a big game in the trenches. Princely Umanmielen has been quiet the last few games, but he has all the tools to be an elite defensive lineman.

WR Ricky Pearsall — With Richardson opting out, all the focus will be on Florida’s dynamic pair of running backs. This should open up opportunities for Ricky Pearsall to showcase his talent. Pearsall finished the regular season with 596 yards and five touchdowns, averaging an SEC-best 20.6 yards per catch. He has the talent to get to the next level, but first he needs to help his freshman quarterback by getting open early and often. 

Oregon State:

RB Damien Martinez — Martinez had his impressive season solidified by winning the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. Rushing for nearly 1,000 yards in his first season, Martinez is no doubt the focal point of the Beavers offense. 

QB Ben Gulbranson — Since taking over the starting role, Gulbranson has only lost one game, a 24-21 nail biter to Washington. Although his record looks nice, the freshman has had some inconsistencies, throwing five interceptions to eight touchdowns. Florida is great at forcing turnovers, and this is still an SEC defense. Gulbranson’s ability to take care of the football and make timely throws will be crucial.

LB Omar Speights — Omar Speights was everywhere in the comeback win against Oregon, recording 13 total tackles. It will be no surprise that the Gators will rely on their run game. The talented junior has to repeat that performance and prevent Florida from staying ahead of the chains.

Score Prediction:

Both teams have very talented young running backs, but both teams have freshman quarterbacks that still have a lot to prove. However, Oregon State is 6-0 when rushing for over 180 yards. Florida allows 176 rushing yards per game and is 2-4 when it allows at least that many. The Beavers just have too much talent for the Gators. They cover the spread of -10.5 and win. Oregon State 37, Florida 24.