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Mike Norvell previews matchup against Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•12/06/22
Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma Sooners quarterback
Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel scrambles while keeping his eyes downfield in a game on Nov. 26, 2022. (John E. Moore III / Getty Images)

Florida State will look to hit the 10-win mark for the first time since 2016 when it takes on Oklahoma and quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the Cheez-It Bowl on Dec. 29.

The Seminoles have been extremely good down the stretch in the 2022 season, on fire offensively and doing a nice job limiting opponents defensively. Gabriel will put the latter to the test.

“He’s an extremely talented quarterback and you see the way that he’s played this year,” coach Mike Norvell said. “He just continues to get better. His vision, his arm talent, the things that he can do, he just has that natural play-making ability that shows up throughout the course of a game.”

After transferring to Oklahoma from UCF, quarterback Dillon Gabriel did what he could to pace the Sooners through an up-and-down first season under new head coach Brent Venables.

The veteran quarterback has thrown for 2,925 yards and 24 touchdowns with just six interceptions, while rushing for 300 yards and five scores.

“I think they do a great job in their offensive scheme in trying to utilize their personnel with coach (Jeff) Lebby,” Norvell said. “I’ve known him and watched his teams over the years.”

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Keying on quarterback Dillon Gabriel a focus

While running back Eric Gray has been a huge part of the offense at Oklahoma, having rushed for 1,364 yards and 11 touchdowns, quarterback Dillon Gabriel helps provide balance to the offense.

His own ability to run it adds an extra element, often causing defenders a bit more hesitation.

The Sooners have used that to their advantage. Norvell knows his squad will be in for a challenge in the Cheez-It Bowl.

“This is going to be a well-coached team,” Norvell said. “They’ve got a great quarterback. They’ve got some very talented skill players. They’ve been able to do some great things there offensively throughout this season, so it’s going to be a wonderful challenge for our defense and I know those guys will be excited to go to work in our preparation.”

The Cheez-It Bowl between Florida State and Oklahoma will be played on Dec. 29, with a national broadcast on ESPN slated for 5:30 p.m. ET. The game is at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.