2 min read • December 14, 2022
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The Florida Gators are a mediocre 6-6 this season. There hasn’t been much to be excited about outside of potential first-round quarterback Anthony Richardson. He’s the lone bright spot on a struggling offensive unit.
But the Gators will face Oregon State in the Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday without Richardson. They will start Jack Miller instead of Richardson, who opted out of the bowl game to prepare for the NFL Draft.
The former four-star quarterback hasn’t thrown 200 yards in his career, and Saturday will be his first career start.
Ventrell Miller, and O’Cyrus Torrence, have also declared for the draft and decided to skip the bowl game.
Nevertheless, the Gator’s wide receivers should benefit from 21 days of rest. Justin Shorter, Xzavier Henderson, Ja'Quavion Fraziars, Marcus Burke, and Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman have all been injured throughout the season.
Head coach Billy Napier talked to the media on Tuesday about the receiver core returning from injury.
“It’s good to see all those guys back being able to participate," Napier said. "That group is a lot healthier than the last time we played. It’s good to see those guys back and a smile on their face, moving around and participating in practice.”
“Henderson, Fraziars, Bowman, all three [were] able to participate today,” Napier said Thursday. “Still working on Burke. Burke was modified a little bit today. We anticipate getting him back.”
Justin Shorter is second on the team in receiving yards (577), and Henderson is third with 410.
In Miller's first action, he should at least have three of his top targets to throw to as the Gators use this game to evaluate if he will be the starter next season.
Oregon State is favored by 10.5 points against Florida, and the over/under is 52.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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