As Bedlam weekend rapidly approaches, it’s straightforward for Oklahoma to surprise the way it acquired right here.
A crew that was prime 10 within the preseason with excessive expectations all of the sudden is 5-5, preventing for its bowl life. Obviously, the Sooners had issues earlier than (and after) the Texas sport, however the pinnacle of Oklahoma’s unique issues appeared to be Dillon Gabriel’s damage.
Without Gabriel, the Sooners have been blown out by Texas in an embarrassing rivalry loss. That sport clearly meant one thing to Gabriel, who desperately wished to play, making the journey to Dallas and going by way of warm-ups.
Now, with Gabriel again within the lineup, issues are higher, however Oklahoma’s struggles proceed. The offense has performed nicely sufficient to win at occasions, and the protection has too, however complementary soccer is the issue.
Sitting at .500 at this level within the season, it’s laborious to discover a silver lining in Brent Venables’ first season in Norman. With a giant rivalry win over Oklahoma State, although, Gabriel may help Oklahoma discover a vivid spot in its season and generate optimistic momentum in the direction of each a bowl sport and the offseason.
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After lacking Oklahoma’s sport towards Texas, it is smart why Gabriel can be wanting to take the sector towards the Cowboys.
“Just not playing in any game is not a great feeling,” Gabriel mentioned. “But like I said, I’m grateful for this opportunity. It’s another game, but shoot, it’s Bedlam. It’s fun. There’s history behind this. I know all the guys are excited, regardless of what’s happened so far. But we can’t control that. We gotta focus on this week, and we got a fun one coming up.”
Overall, Gabriel has thrown for two,217 yards, 16 touchdowns and 4 interceptions throughout his first season in Norman. The UCF switch has additionally linked on 63.9 p.c of his passes. On paper, the stats look spectacular, however the offense simply hasn’t appeared to click on. There have been flashes right here and there, however in the end it’s been inconsistent.
If Oklahoma is ready to one way or the other string collectively a number of wins to finish the season, it may go a great distance in each Gabriel’s confidence and job safety heading into subsequent season. Venables was clear he doesn’t intend to usher in a quarterback from the switch portal, and it is smart with Gabriel and 5-star highschool recruit Jackson Arnold already verbally dedicated to hitch in 2023.
Saturday is one other probability for Gabriel to make an impression.
“Just focusing on the now, the present,” Gabriel mentioned. “That’s all I can do. At times, people focus on the future or the past, and that affects their present. So just trying to stay present as much as possible, and also just play my butt off and finish the right way.”
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