Chip Kelly once had his sights set on bringing Dillon Gabriel to UCLA during his tenure as head coach of the Bruins. Fast forward to now, and the two are on opposite sides as Gabriel leads the Oregon Ducks into battle against Kelly’s Ohio State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
The Journey of Dillon Gabriel
Gabriel’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After leaving UCF and entering the NCAA transfer portal, he initially committed to UCLA. However, in a surprising twist, he flipped his commitment to Oklahoma. Following a successful stint with the Sooners, Gabriel has found a new home at Oregon for his final year in college football. This season, he has led the Ducks to an impressive 13-0 record and a Big Ten title, showcasing his skills with a staggering 3,558 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and an impressive 73.2% completion percentage.
Chip Kelly’s Praise for Gabriel
As they prepare to face off in the Rose Bowl, Kelly took a moment to reflect on Gabriel’s talents. “Yeah, I’m not surprised at the success Dillon has had,” he stated. “You know, you could see it when he was at Mililani in Hawaii in high school, and then watching what he did at Central Florida didn’t surprise me, the success he had at Oklahoma, nor the success he’s had at Oregon.”
Kelly highlighted Gabriel’s accuracy and composure, noting, “He’s extremely accurate. I think he’s really calm. There’s a poise about him that I think is kind of special for the quarterback position.” This calmness under pressure is crucial, especially in high-stakes games like the playoffs.
Gabriel’s Dual Threat Ability
What makes Gabriel stand out even more is his dual-threat capability. “Doesn’t seem to get rattled too much, really has a true understanding of what they want to get accomplished there,” Kelly continued. “He’s also really athletic, so if you do take away some of his options from a throw standpoint, he can beat you with his legs. I think he’s the complete package and one of the top quarterbacks in the country.”
With such high praise from Kelly, it’s clear that Ohio State will have its hands full. Gabriel’s ability to make plays with both his arm and legs makes him a formidable opponent.
Ohio State’s Preparation
While Kelly will be focused on his own offense, led by QB Will Howard, he knows that the key to success lies in preparation. “Perhaps the Ohio State OC will have to cook some things up to keep up with Gabriel in the quarterfinals,” he mused. Both teams will need to refine their strategies and ensure they are ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
Gabriel himself is aware of the need for improvement. “Just cleaning up all things that we need to,” he said. “I think in self-scout and the first two weeks, and even preparing for the opponents we could play, I think it allowed us to do a lot of soul searching and how we could be better, or this could be the difference in being good to great.”
Focus on the Details
The importance of the little things cannot be overstated. “We talk about it a bunch, but it’s easy to say, hard to do,” Gabriel acknowledged. “So just being intentional in that and when we do get those reps, how we can make it even better. Or that one block, that one key catch or throw that could be the difference. So that’s what we’ve been harping on.”
As the Ducks prepare for their showdown with the Buckeyes, every detail matters. The focus on execution and making the most of every opportunity will be crucial for both teams.
A Rivalry Renewed
Gabriel and Kelly share a history, but when the whistle blows in the Rose Bowl, that will be set aside. The stakes are high, and both sides are eager to prove themselves on this grand stage. Oregon and Ohio State will need to clean up their game from their previous meeting, ensuring they are ready to deliver their best performances.
As fans eagerly await this clash of titans, one thing is certain: college football never fails to deliver excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. With Dillon Gabriel at the helm for Oregon and Chip Kelly strategizing for Ohio State, the Rose Bowl promises to be a thrilling encounter that will have fans on the edge of their seats.
In the world of college football, stories like Gabriel’s remind us of the journey, the challenges, and the triumphs that define the sport. As we gear up for the playoffs, let’s celebrate the talent, determination, and passion that these young athletes bring to the field.
