Oklahoma Sooners QB Dillon Gabriel Ready For First Red River Rivalry vs. Texas Longhorns
For an entire year, the Oklahoma Sooners' fanbase has been the butt of 49-0 jokes from Texas Longhorns everywhere, obviously referencing last year's final score.
A big part in the reason for the rout was that quarterback Davis Beville is nowhere near the level of gunslinger Dillon Gabriel, who was forced to miss last season's Red River Rivalry with a concussion. However, this time around, Gabriel has a shot at redemption — much like Quinn Ewers' against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
“It’s an atmosphere, environment you live for, dream of,” Gabriel said after Oklahoma's 50-20 blowout of Iowa State. “When you’re a little kid… You’re picturing a huge crowd and that atmosphere and the passion. All of it. It’s something you dream of playing in it.”
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Mililani, Hawaii, native didn't exactly grow up immersed within the culture of the Red River Rivalry but has since adapted what the game means year in and year out.
Even if he hasn't grasped the importance of the game — which there is a 99.9 percent chance this is untrue — the competitor in him won't let him walk into the biggest game of the year unprepared. Gabriel hasn't done it yet, and he certainly won't start now.
The UCF transfer is putting up career-best numbers through five games to begin the season. His 75.2 completion percentage and 189.4 passer rating are currently career highs, while he is on pace for 3,823 passing yards and 36 touchdowns — both of which would be the benchmarks in his five-year collegiate career.
Gabriel has been the conductor in Oklahoma's steam engine of an offense that is currently third in scoring and ninth in total yards per game.
However, don't let the Sooners' 5-0 start and No. 12 ranking in the AP Top 25 Poll fool you, Gabriel is "taking it a week at a time" in their journey for a College Football Playoff berth.
“Being present," Gabriel said. "Not taking anything for granted. I think that's huge in building on what type of team we want to be… I go back to you dream about this. This is something as a kid you want to be a part of… Just being in that environment, it's special. And not a lot of people get to do it."
Like Texas, Oklahoma is also trying to put a stamp on its Big 12 tenure with a conference championship before departing for the Southeastern Conference. It feels as if the battle at the Cotton Bowl will play a big factor in determining the regular-season champion.
And Gabriel is just along for the ride.
“I'm going to embrace it and have fun with it,” he said.
