Oregon Seals a Narrow Victory
In a pulsating clash, Dillon Gabriel led Oregon to a dramatic 32-31 victory over Ohio State. As the Ducks quarterback sat on the bench with the final seconds ticking away, Ohio State was pressing hard. Moments later, Gabriel was celebrating with fans who stormed the field, marking a major triumph for Oregon in what turned out to be a thrilling contest.
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Gabriel's Big-Game Performance
Making his first major appearance since transferring to Oregon, Gabriel delivered a standout performance. The third-ranked Ducks overcame the second-ranked Buckeyes in a high-stakes matchup, with Gabriel at the forefront. “We knew it was going to be a dogfight, two heavyweights going at it,” Gabriel reflected. The seasoned quarterback, who had previously played for UCF and Oklahoma, made his 55th career start and reignited discussions around his Heisman Trophy candidacy.
Gabriel threw for 341 yards, completing 23 of 34 passes, and notched two touchdowns. His most pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when he executed a perfectly timed fake handoff, rushing for a 27-yard touchdown that gave Oregon a critical advantage. With that score, Gabriel became the first FBS player to tally 125 passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in his career.
Oregon's Gritty Final Drive
Trailing 31-29 with six minutes left, Oregon needed a breakthrough. Gabriel connected on five consecutive passes, leading the Ducks to the Ohio State 1-yard line. Though the drive stalled, Atticus Sappington delivered a 19-yard field goal that put Oregon ahead with 1:47 remaining.
In response, Ohio State moved the ball down to 28 yards for Oregon. However, a crucial offensive pass interference call against freshman Jeremiah Smith pushed the Buckeyes out of field goal range. In the game’s final play, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard slid down the middle of the field as time expired, sealing the Ducks' victory as fans flooded the field in celebration.
Gabriel's Leadership and Poise
Throughout the game, Gabriel showcased composure under pressure. Tez Johnson, who caught a 48-yard touchdown from Gabriel in the second quarter, praised the quarterback’s resilience. Johnson said, "He played with a tremendous sense of poise the entire time.
Oregon's victory marks a significant milestone, especially considering the stakes of a top-three AP matchup. According to ESPN Research, the last time a top-three contest was decided by a single point was in 1991, when Miami edged out Florida State 17-16, later securing the national championship.
Oregon's Path Forward
Oregon (6-0) is now well-positioned to compete for the Big Ten title and to be discussed for the postseason after the win. They remain one of only three unbeaten teams in the conference, alongside Penn State and Indiana, although the Ducks won’t face either in the regular season.
Gabriel, acknowledging the long road ahead, reflected on his journey from Florida to Oklahoma, and now to Eugene, Oregon. When asked if this win was his most rewarding, Gabriel simply replied, “I’ve learned a lot at each stop and, more importantly, who I am as a person. Right now in my work, I just try to be content with where I am.
Celebration and Focus on the Future
After the game, Gabriel embraced the adoration of fans on the field, donning an oversized Oregon hat before retreating to the locker room, where the celebrations continued. As the night wound down, Gabriel kept his focus on the bigger picture. “He remarked, "We know it is simply a step in the right direction, but winning is great nonetheless. We have to get up the following day and go earn it again.
This victory was not just a defining moment for Gabriel, but for the Ducks as they continued their pursuit of Big Ten glory.
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