OSU VICTORY CAPS MEMORABLE Bowl WEEK!
We’re back! Hope the start to your New Year has been a pleasant one.
We want to thank the players, coaches, staff and fans from both the University of Florida and Oregon State University for their involvement in the 30th Las Vegas Bowl game. The Beavers certainly proved on the field that they were richly deserving of their national ranking and congratulations to Coach Smith and Beaver Nation on the impressive victory over our first SEC entry as part of the new conference rotation. And here’s a much-deserved THANK YOU to our Las Vegas Bowl Committee, Las Vegas Bowl Huddle, sponsors and community partners for being a part of what has become a must-see event every December. Our team is already busy reviewing not only the Las Vegas Bowl game but also the entire slate of Bowl Week activities as we’re determined to make this coming year’s events even bigger and better. As we head into the spring, we will be sharing our experiences and learning from other bowls at the annual Bowl Season Meetings in Nashville (April 17-19), and then expect to announce our 2023 game date in early May.
John Saccenti Executive Director
las vegas Bowl TOPS 2.4 Million Viewers
The SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl had the second largest pre-Christmas live television audience with 2,449,890 viewers. Here’s a look at the top five viewed pre-Christmas bowl games:
GAME RECAP
Oregon State 30, Florida 3
Attendance: 29,750
LAS VEGAS – Oregon State held Florida to its lowest offensive output since 2015 and won the 30th edition of the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl, 30-3, at Allegiant Stadium.
The 14th-ranked Beavers (10-3) reached 10 victories for the third time in program history, and for the first time in 16 seasons.
“It means everything,” said OSU safety Jaydon Grant. “We worked so hard, starting back in January, then spring ball, summer workouts, fall camps, up and down in season, to playing the best possible game. It’s a really good win for the program.”
The Beavers came close to shutting out the Gators for the first time since 1988. However, Florida owns the longest active NCAA streak without being shut out, now 436 games, after Adam Mihalek made a 40-yard field goal with 37 seconds left.
“Yeah, we really wanted a shutout, but at the end of the day, 30-3 isn’t too bad,” Grant added.
Oregon State quarterback Ben Gulbranson was given the Rich Abajian MVP trophy after finishing 12-of-19 for 165 yards with one touchdown. Gulbranson also rushed for 15 yards on five attempts, including one touchdown.
“I just love playing ball, I felt like we had a good gameplan,” Gulbranson said. “We know all the work we put into this. We’re winners. We accomplished a 10-win season and capped it with a Las Vegas Bowl win. I think we got a great culture at Oregon State.”
Deshaun Fenwick came off the bench to rush for 107 yards on 21 attempts.
Silas Bolden caught a TD pass and Las Vegas-product Tyjon Lindsey ran one in for the Beavers. Damien Martinez also rushed for a TD before exiting the game in the second quarter.
“Proud of the group,” said OSU head coach Jonathan Smith. “Those guys, they wanted to play well in this game. We finished off the way we wanted to.”
Oregon State, which won seven of its final eight games, improved to 2-1 in the Las Vegas Bowl. The Beavers beat New Mexico in 2003 and lost to BYU in 2009.
The Beavers broke out early on the Gators (6-7), taking a 10-0 lead into the locker room at halftime, and seized control of the game early in the third quarter, when they took a 17-0 lead while dominating on defense.
Florida, which came in 16th in the nation with 213.7 yards rushing per game, was stymied by a Beavers defense that ranked 20th in allowing just 114 yards rushing per contest, to a mere 39 yards.
The 219 yards by Florida was its lowest output of the season and ranked seventh for fewest by a team in Las Vegas Bowl history.
The Gators closed their first season under head coach Billy Napier with three consecutive losses.
“I felt like those guys wanted the challenge,” Smith said. “This defense has a lot of pride. I think they were dialed in at practice (during bowl week).”
The Pac-12 improved to 10-10 all-time in the Las Vegas Bowl, while the SEC dropped to 0-2 in appearances.
“We don’t take anything away from the SEC or the Florida Gators,” Grant said. “Our thing is, we’re saying something about us – the Pac 12.”
Florida Coach Billy Napier – “Having been to a few bowls throughout the years, I just want to compliment the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl. The staff here has been phenomenal, certainly a great experience for all, not only for our entire organization, but the players as well.”
Oregon State Coach Jonathan Smith“I’d like to thank the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl staff for their hospitality during our trip in December. The bowl game was an outstanding experience for our coaches, staff and student-athletes. I’d like to commend their staff, the Las Vegas Community and Allegiant Stadium for providing an unforgettable week.”
TEAM ARRIVALS
PRESENTED BY TERRIBLE’S -
Both teams received a Las Vegas welcome from Elvis and the Show Girls, a sweet treat from Pinkbox Doughnuts, and a school-branded robe to make their stay as comfortable as possible.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY -
Teams had a chance to meet with the media to kick off the week.
OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE -
Players from both teams visited Opportunity Village where they could interact with adults with intellectual and related disabilities.
WELCOME RECEPTION
PRESENTED BY BUCA DI BEPPO -
Both teams were treated to the Fremont Street Experience Welcome Reception presented by Buca di Beppo.
GOODIE TWO SHOES -
Players had the opportunity to visit with underprivileged children, assisting them in picking out a new pair of shoes and teaching the skills of football.
THE WEEK THAT WAS -
A look back at a memorable week of activities for Oregon State and Florida student-athletes, coaches, staff and families during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl.
DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN kids’ day -
Kids’ Day at Downtown Summerlin was another succesful event where the kids enjoyed time at Dave & Buster’s, Build-aBear and Corks & Crafts.
DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN
Ladies’ day -
The annual Ladies’ Day event at Downtown Summerlin was kicked off with a lunch at La Neta Cocina y Lounge, followed by an opportunity to explore the shops of Downtown Summerlin.
SHOW NIGHT -
Players enjoyed Show Night where they experienced the talents of Las Vegas headliner Mat Franco, the first magician to win America’s Got Talent.
Dignity Health HOSPITAL Visit -
Cheer and team mascots visited Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican Hospital to interact and take pictures with staff.
KICKOFF MEDIA CONFERENCE -
Media got their last opportunity to meet with the head coaches and players the day before the game.
PEP RALLY PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA -
Band and cheer put the fans into the spirit of the game with a pep rally at the Virgin Hotel Events Lawn.
ONEVEGAS presented by toyota -
Special guests from the Las Vegas sports and entertainment community attended ONEVEGAS presented by Toyota, to celebrate our collective year in sports.
CORONA EXTRA FAN FEST -
Fans got an early start to game day by enjoying food and drink, live music and tailgate games at the Corona Extra Fan Fest. Click
