Kirk Herbstreit evaluates how Ohio State defense can suppress Dillon Gabriel, Oregon offense
Kirk Herbstreit recognizes Dillon Gabriel is special, but it’ll take more than the Oregon quarterback to defeat Ohio State in Eugene on Saturday evening.
Jim Knowles isn’t a slouch at defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes, and Herbstreit believes that the Ducks’ ability to run the football will be what unlocks their offense in Week 7. However, that’s easier said than done against Ohio State.
“I think it’s not just Dillon Gabriel,” Herbstreit said via SportsCenter on Saturday, citing Oregon’s impressive offense as a whole. “I think in this kind of game, and you’ve heard both coaches address it this week, it’s the line of scrimmage. It’s the physicality. Oregon’s ability to run with Jordan James will be the key to their entire offensive effort today. It’s not just going to be on Dillon Gabriel. Now, he’s the big play threat. We know what he can do. He’s got some electrifying wide receivers, but can he get No. 20 established, to be able to do things like this, pull it around and get around the corner, and set up his play action pass game.
“So, how to me, the offensive line does in this game, against the very physical front from Ohio State, Jim Knowles brings the defense and is nasty. I mean, they’ve not been tested the way they will be in this game, but up to this point, five, six weeks in the season. Ohio State’s been as physical as anybody in the country. So today, we find out, are they as good as they’ve looked, or is Oregon better? That’s great, it’s not subjective. It’s a chance to really play it out in the field and find out who the better team is at this point.”
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While Gabriel has been tremendous, the aforementioned James has amassed 552 rushing yards on 88 carries, adding five touchdowns. He’s also caught nine passes for 61 yards. The running back will be key for Oregon, as Herbstreit noted.
It’ll all be laid out on the field for both teams on Saturday evening, as kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. inside Autzen Stadium. Kirk Herbstreit and the rest of the college football world will be keeping a keen eye on who’s victorious between Oregon and Ohio State.