Dillon Gabriel entered the 2022 season with relatively lofty expectations. It makes sense considering he transferred into Oklahoma with over 8,000 passing yards and 70 touchdowns before he took a snap in an Oklahoma uniform.
The Big 12 media recognized this and named him preseason Newcomer of the Year.
The next task for Gabriel was to go out and prove them correct. Gabriel has looked very good thru two games as the Sooners’ starting quarterback. He was awarded for his efforts this against Kent State, being named Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Week with Iowa State linebacker Colby Reeder.
Dillon Gabriel named Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Week@_dillongabriel_ | #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/2AHdrmDOr4
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) September 12, 2022
Gabriel’s play in the Sooners’ matchup was very steady, and kicked it up a notch just before halftime. Getting the ball with just over a minute to play, Gabriel orchestrated a five-play drive that culminated in a 36-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Mims. Gabriel was 5 of 5 for 76 yards on the drive, which gave Oklahoma its first lead of the game.
The Sooners entered halftime up 7-3 in a game where they were as 30-point favorites. Whatever was said during halftime clearly lit a fire, and they came out and looked like a top 10 team.
Gabriel’s final numbers were 21/28, for a 75% completion percentage, 296 passing yards, and three touchdowns.
He was surgical all game, even when things weren’t going right. When an opportunity presented itself, he took over.
Two of his touchdown passes went to Marvin Mims, who quickly became Gabriel’s favorite target. The other was an 18-yard pass to slot receiver Drake Stoops who hit the pylon with just one shoe on.
The games will continue to get a bit more challenging as the Sooners wrap up their non-conference schedule against former Big 8 and Big 12 rival Nebraska. After their road trip to Lincoln, they’ll return home to face Kansas State the following week in a primetime matchup.
Gabriel’s command and comfort in this offense could lead to more big days.
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