[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] had a tremendous career with the Oklahoma Sooners. In two seasons, he threw for 6,828 yards and 55 touchdowns while completing 66% of his passes.
He also was a legit dual threat, running for 18 touchdowns, including 12 in 2023.
He was good in 2022. It was good enough for the Sooners to be better than 6-7, but the defense allowed 30 points per game. In 2023, he took his game to a whole different level, improving as a passer in the intermediate passing game and getting more explosive as a runner.
The Sooners too a big jump in offensive efficiency and points per game, largely because Gabriel was better. They were a better unit on third and fourth down and in the red zone. And although it didn’t end with a banner, Gabriel gave the Sooners an opportunity to achieve their goals in 2023.
Dillon Gabriel gave us a ton of great moments, but none was better than the drive to beat Texas in the Red River Rivalry this season. He and the offense got the ball with 1:17 left on the clock and Gabriel masterfully took the Sooners 75 yards in six plays for the game-winning drive.
He was 4-of-4 on the drive and Nic Anderson drew a pass interference call that set up first and goal. Two plays later, Gabriel found Anderson in the back of the end zone for the score.
Gabriel’s time comes to a close without the fanfare of quarterback greats before him. But he was the quarterback the Oklahoma Sooners needed when Brent Venables took over. He was good in his first year, and Heisman was worthy in his second season. His leadership was as important as the coaching staff’s to steadying Oklahoma’s foundation in the wake of the coaching change.
Dillon Gabriel made a lasting impact that will endure long after he makes the move from Norman.
Mahalo!