Marvin Mims describes his preparation not knowing Dillon Gabriel's status

Oklahoma is reeling a bit heading into this weekend’s Red River Rivalry against Texas, having lost its last two games and its starting quarterback in the process. First-year coach Brent Venables has been mum on Dillon Gabriel’s status ahead of the game after he left a loss at TCU injured.

How will that impact the receivers’ preparation for the annual showdown with the Longhorns?

“I’ve got a separate job other than the quarterbacks,” star wideout Marvin Mims said, downplaying the impact. “Maybe with coach (Jeff) Lebby game-planning, stuff like that. But for me no matter who’s back there I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do, do my job to the best of my ability.”

Backup Davis Beville filled in for Gabriel in the loss to the Horned Frogs. It didn’t go particularly well.

Beville finished the game 7-of-16 passing for just 50 yards. He didn’t throw a touchdown or an interception, but he was sacked three times as the Oklahoma offense was completely bottled up.

“There’s a difference. I’d say it was mostly like an emotional difference, after seeing the way he came out and stuff like that,” Mims said of playing without Gabriel. “He’s a huge leader on our team, so not having him out there was different.”

Oklahoma ready to build around Beville if needed

With Dillon Gabriel’s status being kept close to the vest, the Sooners are certainly making it sound like they’re ready to move on without him if the need arises.

Despite Beville’s rough outing on the road at TCU, Oklahoma is ready to rely on him again.

“At the end of the day we’re building with Davis, we’re going with Davis, whoever’s going to be out there,” Mims said. “We’re just building on it. I feel like he played good on Saturday. He stepped into a hard role. You don’t really expect it, but when your number is called you’ve got to go out there and show up. I feel like he did, and so we’re building with whoever comes in this week.”

For his part, Mims is simply going to do whatever he can to help whoever ends up taking the snaps. He obviously has the ability to be a huge difference-maker for whoever it is.

Through the first five games, Mims has already recorded 438 yards and three touchdowns receiving on 22 catches, offering the Sooners a real big-play threat on the perimeter.

“Like I said, the receivers, we’re just worried about doing our job,” Mims said. “Whoever coach Lebby chooses or whoever’s getting the reps, then that’s who gets the reps.”