Dillon Gabriel sat on the Ducks' bench with his headset on, staring down as the final seconds ticked away. The Oregon quarterback had just led his team on the go-ahead drive, but Ohio State was pushing back. All eyes were on the Buckeyes as they inched closer to scoring, yet Gabriel stayed composed, barely glancing up. When the final whistle blew, sealing Oregon’s thrilling 32-31 victory over the second-ranked Buckeyes, Gabriel’s demeanor transformed. He emerged from the locker room like a man who had just conquered the world, dancing with fans storming the field and soaking in every second. By the time he made it to his postgame press conference, he was singing, literally, celebrating the night he had delivered a win in his first major game since transferring to Oregon.
This wasn’t just any game. It was a clash of heavyweights, with Gabriel’s third-ranked Ducks pitted against the second-ranked Buckeyes. Both teams came in knowing the stakes were sky-high, but Gabriel delivered a masterful performance, pushing his Ducks to victory. “We all knew we were getting a dogfight, two heavyweights going at it,” Gabriel said. “That’s what college football is all about.” And he wasn’t wrong.
Now, let’s talk about Gabriel for a minute. Few players on the college football scene have as much experience as he does. With Saturday’s game, he made his 55th career start. That’s not a small feat. Gabriel’s journey had already taken him from UCF to Oklahoma and now to Oregon, where he opened the season as a top Heisman candidate. Sure, his start was slow, but in a game like this—a Big Ten showdown against a powerhouse like Ohio State—Gabriel left no doubt about his Heisman potential. His stat line speaks for itself: 23 completions on 34 attempts, 341 yards, and two touchdowns. And let’s not forget the game-winning touchdown. It wasn’t a pass but a beautiful 27-yard rushing score off a fake handoff that fooled the entire Ohio State defense. This score also put Gabriel in a league of his own, making him the first FBS player to pass for 125 touchdowns and rush for another 30 in his career. That’s an accomplishment that can’t be overlooked.
Gabriel wasn’t just impressive stat-wise. His poise throughout the game was on full display. “Every time I went and looked at his eyes tonight, I saw a guy who was composed and ready for his next moment,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “He played really, really well tonight and had some really big moments.” And the biggest moment? That final drive. Oregon trailed 31-29 with just six minutes left on the clock. This was crunch time, and Gabriel knew it. He completed all five of his passes for 41 yards, moving the Ducks down the field. While the drive stalled at Ohio State’s 1-yard line, Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington came through, nailing a 19-yard field goal to give the Ducks a 32-31 lead with 1:47 left.
Ohio State wasn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet, though. The Buckeyes marched right back down the field, reaching Oregon’s 28-yard line. It looked like they were in a position to steal the game back, but a crucial mistake sealed their fate. Freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith was flagged for offensive pass interference, pushing the Buckeyes out of field goal range. And on the final play, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard scrambled up the middle and slid, burning precious seconds. Time expired, and in an instant, the Oregon crowd poured onto the field in celebration.
One of Gabriel’s top targets, Oregon receiver Tez Johnson, knew just how special this win was. He pulled in a 48-yard touchdown pass from Gabriel late in the second quarter, a play that gave Oregon a 22-21 lead at halftime. “He went out there against a top-two opponent and beat them. That shows a lot right there,” Johnson said. “The poise he had the entire game was unbelievable.”
To add to the excitement, this game marked a rare feat in college football history. According to ESPN Research, the last time an AP top-three matchup was decided by a single point was all the way back in 1991, when No. 2 Miami edged out No. 1 Florida State 17-16. That year, Miami went on to win the national championship. Could Oregon be on a similar path?
This victory set the Ducks up in a prime position. At 6-0, they’re now leading the race for both the Big Ten title and a playoff spot. Oregon is one of just three Big Ten teams still undefeated, alongside Penn State and Indiana. But here’s the kicker—they don’t face either team in the regular season. So, for now, the Ducks are in control of their own destiny.
As exciting as this moment was, Gabriel knows the journey isn’t over yet. There’s a long season ahead, and while this win was huge, it’s just one step on the road to the ultimate goal. Reflecting on his path—from Orlando, Florida, to Norman, Oklahoma, and now to Eugene, Oregon—Gabriel said he’s learned a lot along the way. When asked if this victory was his most gratifying yet, Gabriel couldn’t help but break into a grin and sing the words “coast to coast” before waiting for the rest of the question. “I’ve learned a lot at each stop and, more importantly, who I am as a person,” he shared. “At this point in my career, I just appreciate where I am at the present. I’ve loved every bit of it.”
As the postgame celebrations continued, Gabriel wasn’t shy about enjoying the moment. After all, beating a top-ranked team in such dramatic fashion is something to savor. As he walked out of the locker room, the hoard of Oregon fans waiting for him outside the tunnel erupted in cheers. Gabriel spread his arms wide, embracing the moment. One fan handed him an oversized Oregon hat, which he proudly donned as he hugged his coaches and teammates. The celebration didn’t stop there—it carried on back in the locker room.
But Gabriel, ever the competitor, knows that it’s time to refocus. “When you win against a great opponent, you enjoy it for that time,” he said. “Winning is fun. There’s a lot of joy in winning. But we know it’s just a step in the right direction. Tomorrow, we’ve got to wake up and go earn it.”
And that’s exactly the mindset Oregon needs as they look ahead to the rest of the season. With Gabriel leading the way, the Ducks have a chance to make some serious noise in the college football landscape this year. Whether it’s the Big Ten title or a national championship, the Ducks have their eyes on the prize. And with Gabriel under center, they’ve got a shot to go all the way.
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