WATCH: Jonathan Smith says the Gators have Oregon State's ‘full attention’
LAS VEGAS — Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith, the Pac-12 Coach of the Year, previewed his team’s matchup with the Florida Gators on Friday at the Las Vegas Bowl Kickoff Media Conference.
The presser was held at the Virgin Hotels, where the Beavers have stayed throughout the week. The resort has also been packed with Oregon State fans who made the trip for Saturday’s game.
“It’s been great to bump into a bunch of them out and about. Anticipating that Beaver Nation is gonna show out in this game,” Smith said. “I know some traveled early in the week, some are getting here just for the weekend. That’s why we’re really excited about this game. That it was a location and an opponent that our fan base would be excited to come see.”
In the video below, Smith discusses his impressions of Florida coach Billy Napier and the Gators football team, the Las Vegas Bowl experience and Oregon State’s team captains for the game.
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Kickoff is set for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Jonathan Smith opening statement
“The University, this program and our players and staff want to thank SRS distribution, Las Vegas Bowl, everyone involved. It has been a first-class experience from events, big-time hotel. I’m anxious to go see this big-time stadium we’re going to play in. We’re headed over there in a bit. It’s been all first class and truly enjoyed by our staff and players throughout the week.
“Know that with that enjoyment through the week, we gotta make sure we’re preparing well because we have a big-time opponent. Bunch of respect for Coach Napier, the athletes, scheme in all three phases that this team has. So, they got our full, full attention. We’re definitely looking forward to the matchup but know we’re gonna have to play really, really well to have a chance to win the game after we’ve learned about these guys over the last 2-3 weeks.
“With that, also really proud of two guys sitting next to me. Talk about leaders in this on this program, on and off the field, Jaydon Grant and Jack Colletto, two of our best players. But like I said, they represent us so well off the field and at the same time college graduates. So couldn’t be more proud to have them with me here.”
