Because Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel Missed Texas, Bedlam Means Even More

As Bedlam weekend rapidly approaches, it’s simple for Oklahoma to surprise the way it received right here. 

A crew that was high 10 within the preseason with excessive expectations out of the blue is 5-5, combating for its bowl life. Clearly, 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 harm.

With out Gabriel, the Sooners had 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 warm-ups.

Now, with Gabriel again within the lineup, issues are higher, however Oklahoma’s struggles proceed. The offense has performed effectively sufficient to win at instances, and the protection has too, however complementary soccer is the issue.

Sitting at .500 at this level within the season, it’s exhausting to discover a silver lining in Brent Venables’ first season in Norman. With an enormous rivalry win over Oklahoma State, although, Gabriel may also help Oklahoma discover a vivid spot in its season and generate constructive momentum in direction of each a bowl sport and the offseason. 

After lacking Oklahoma’s sport in opposition to Texas, it is smart why Gabriel could be desperate to take the sphere in opposition to the Cowboys.

“Simply not enjoying in any sport isn’t an ideal feeling,” Gabriel stated. “However like I stated, I’m grateful for this chance. It’s one other sport, however shoot, it’s Bedlam. It’s enjoyable. There’s historical past behind this. I do know all the fellows are excited, no matter what’s occurred to date. However we are able to’t management that. We gotta deal with this week, and we received a enjoyable one arising.”

General, 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 finally it’s been inconsistent.

If Oklahoma is ready to by some means 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 likelihood for Gabriel to make an impression.

“Simply specializing in the now, the current,” Gabriel stated. “That’s all I can do. At instances, folks deal with the longer term or the previous, and that impacts their current. So simply making an attempt to remain current as a lot as doable, and in addition simply play my butt off and end the best method.”