The Sun Bowl will pit Notre Dame football up against Oregon State football on Friday. The Fighting Irish are coming into this game ranked #16 in the country, and the Beavers are coming in ranked #19.

Oregon State football is listed as a six-point underdog in the game, but interim head coach Kefense Hynson says that he's not into that kind of talk, according to Mike Berardino of USA Today:

The Fighting Irish (9-3) are without quarterback Sam Hartman, but the biggest absence for Notre Dame might be All-American tackle Joe Alt. The other starting tackle, Blake Fisher, also is preparing for the NFL draft along with running back Audric Estime and linebacker Marist Liufau.

The Beavers (8-4) are down to their third-string quarterback in Ben Gulbranson after D.J. Uiagalelei and backup Aidan Chiles entered the transfer portal. Gulbranson started most of the 2022 season for Oregon State football.

Hynson, who has been wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator, is leading Oregon State football in the bowl game after Jonathan Smith accepted the Michigan State job. Trent Bray was promoted from defensive coordinator to be Smith's permanent replacement.

Oregon State also will be without tight end Jack Velling and kicker Atticus Sappington, who both left via the transfer portal, as well as linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold who is preparing for the draft.

Oregon State running back Damien Martinez, the team's leading rusher, has returned from a suspension over an arrest for driving under the influence. However, Martinez won’t play because he missed too much practice time while away from the team.