The Oklahoma Sooners put on display the work they’ve been putting in this offseason in front of a great crowd at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Several players had breakout performances, including defensive tackle Gracen Halton and wide receiver D.J. Graham.
However, in the first half, [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] reminded us just how he good he can be.
Gabriel was 12 of 18 for 139 yards and three touchdowns. He had an interception on a deep pass that turned into a 50-50 ball and was intercepted by [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag]. After that turnover, though, Gabriel went to work, orchestrating three touchdown drives in the first half.
As Gabriel goes, so will the Oklahoma Sooners in 2023. As excited as people are to see [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag], and Arnold played well in the second half when he had a chance to run with the first-team offensive line, this is Gabriel’s team this year.
He was poised, on target and kept the fast-paced tempo the Sooners desire to employ.
There were two throws Gabriel would like to have back: the go route intercepted by Bowen and an over route on which he overthrew an open [autotag]L.V. Bunkley Shelton[/autotag]. However, after a slow start for the offense, Gabriel’s unit rallied and put points on the board in a hurry.
He’s Oklahoma’s unquestioned starter for the 2023 season. He showed again on Saturday that he has the tools to help the Sooners get back into title contention. While the future at the quarterback position is bright, it’s just as bright in 2023 with Gabriel under center.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.