Dillon Gabriel finds Nic Anderson for game-winning touchdown, sends Oklahoma past Texas

Oklahoma was in the driver’s seat through one half of the Red River Rivalry game on Saturday, and added to the lead in the third quarter. But as is usually the case in the game, Texas didn’t go quietly — taking things down to the final seconds.

Then, when Dillon Gabriel found Nic Anderson with 15 seconds left, Sooners fans could taste it. The two connected for a three-yard touchdown to put Oklahoma on top. The defense got the stop on the ensuing possession, and Oklahoma came away with the victory to knock off No. 3 Texas.

Gabriel and the Oklahoma offense had a huge day, totaling 486 yards against a Texas defense filled with playmakers to help the Sooners get the victory. The defense held strong when it mattered most, including on the one-yard line with 11:30 to play in the fourth.

Sooner Magic ✨#OUDNA | 📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/g46vRAJngI

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) October 7, 2023

Ahead of that game-winning play, Gabriel said the Oklahoma staff had a message for him.

“(They) told me to do whatever it takes,” Gabriel told ABC’s Holly Rowe. “I’m all about OU football, I love this place, this is what college football is all about, let’s go …

“I love my teammates, I love my team. That’s always what I’ve been about. God is good. God is good.”

Texas wound up tying things up with 6:10 to play in the game, and Oklahoma went three and out to set up a Longhorns field goal on the ensuing drive. But Gabriel and the Sooners didn’t back down, embarking on a five-play, 75-yard drive — capped by the pass to Anderson that put Oklahoma back on top, 34-30. It held as the final score, and Brent Venables’ group improved to 6-0.

For Venables, it was quite the redemption story. In his first year back as Oklahoma head coach last year, Texas flew past the Sooners 49-0 in the Red River Rivalry game. This year, the Sooners have proven they’re a different team, and they further showed that on Saturday by keeping up with Texas late.

OU has now matched last season’s win total and, as a result, is bowl eligible.

Gabriel didn’t play in last year’s edition of the Red River Rivalry, missing the game due to injury. He got his first taste of the raucous atmosphere and high stakes on Saturday, and he loved every second.

“This is what OU football is all about,” Gabriel said. “This is why I came here, this game. Lots of respect to Texas. They played their butt off … At the end of the day, making plays.”

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report.