When all else fails, get the ball to Eric Gray.
Three interceptions from Dillon Gabriel created an inconsistent offense in the first half. Oklahoma was moving the ball well, but because of the turnovers and a failed fourth down conversion with Marcus Major in the game, the Oklahoma Sooners struggled to gain any momentum.
While his ground game has been a key contributor to the Sooners’ offensive success, what he did after the catch on Oklahoma’s opening drive helped provide the Sooners an opportunity to extend the drive after a false start penalty put them in Second and 15. Going to his right, Gray caught a swing pass in the open field. A Baylor defender was in fantastic position to make a play when Gray used his elite patience and agility to stop on a dime, allowing the Bears defender to run right by him. Gray then hit the accelerator to pick up 14 yards and put the Sooners into a manageable 3rd and 1. Oklahoma converted and later in the drive scored on Dillon Gabriel’s 10-yard scramble to take a 7-0 lead.
Coming out after halftime, the Oklahoma Sooners knew they’d need to score to keep pace with Baylor. The Bears opened the half with a touchdown drive to extend their lead to 31-21.
After the two sides traded punts, Jeff Lebby called three straight runs to Eric Gray on Oklahoma’s second possession of the second half. He picked up 19 yards to help get things started for the Sooners on a critical drive early in the second half. Oklahoma went on to score to make it 31-28 on Drake Stoops nine-yard catch and run for a touchdown, but it was Gray that sparked the offense earlier in the drive.
“Eric did today what he’s done all year,” Brent Venables said after the loss. “Whatever we’ve asked him to do, he’s as consistent of a player that we have. He’s always straining. He’s a very dependable player and means a lot to him. He makes these plays when he gets his opportunity.”
The Oklahoma Sooners No. 1 running back finished the day with 23 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and added eight receptions for 58 yards. The 31 touches were the second most he’d logged in a game and the most since he had 34 against Arkansas back in 2020 for the Tennessee Volunteers.
Dillon Gabriel might be the most important player on the roster for the Oklahoma Sooners. Despite the interceptions, two of which were on passes that were tipped, we’ve see the difference he can make for this team. But a close second would have to be Eric Gray. His consistency and ability to create a gain out of nothing has been invaluable for the Oklahoma Sooners.
He’s got 902 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards per carry on the season. With three games left, Gray’s on pace for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns in what could be his final year in Norman.
If 2022 is indeed Eric Gray’s swan song before what promises to be a productive NFL career, he’s set a fantastic example for the young guys on the roster with his work ethic and his consistency.
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