Tim Tebow pinpoints where Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel has made the biggest strides in 2023

Consider Tim Tebow one of the pundits who believes in Dillon Gabriel and Oklahoma‘s chances against the Texas Longhorns.

Ahead of the Red River Showdown, Tebow elaborated on where he’s seen Gabriel make the greatest improvements from 2022 to 2023, and it’s evident the former Heisman winner is impressed with the Oklahoma quarterback.

“Well I’ll tell you what, Dillon is doing everything so well right now, but really where he’s taken the next step as a passer is down the field,” Tebow explained, via SportsCenter. “Last year, he was 42% completion on deep passes. Right now, he’s at 65%. That is a jump. So he’s still playing well in the red-zone. Well on third down. But these throws down the field, he’s putting it on the money. He’s not giving the safeties an opportunity. When he has a chance to make a big play, he’s letting it rip.

“He’s playing with elite confidence, and he’s firing that thing over and over. This team, they love to take shots, and I think that’ll also be a key in this game against Texas, being able to match the big play with a big play.”

Playing against a vaunted Texas team, Oklahoma will be looking for revenge for last season, as well as looking to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.

The Sooners have been better than anyone could’ve imagined thus far in 2023, and Dillon Gabriel is a big reason why — we’ll see if he can keep it up on Saturday.

Baker Mayfield amped for Oklahoma in Year 2 under Brent Venables: ‘Venables is a dawg’

In other news, season was a departure from the success former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield is used to seeing from his beloved Sooners.

Brent Venables had Oklahoma looking awesome during the onset of his tenure, but the wheels fell off over the second half of Year 1 on the job. In a similar situation after their undefeated start this season, Mayfield joined The Pat McAfee Show to explain why he’s of the belief that the Sooners are roaring and ready to show the college football world they’re for real versus the Texas Longhorns.

“I’m excited. You know, last year obviously wasn’t a good year for them. Lost so many guys to the transfer portal. But Venables is a dawg,” Mayfield said. “He’s got that defense playing with their hair on fire, and that’s the best way that he knows how to do it, and our offense can score on anybody. 

“So I mean, I’m looking forward to the matchup of our offensive group against their defense, because I don’t think either has seen the competition that they’re going to see tomorrow.”

Alas, there aren’t many bigger names you can have endorse you if you’re Venables, as Mayfield wholeheartedly believes in the Sooners’ leader. Now, it’s up to Venables to make good on that belief.

Time will tell if Oklahoma can get some revenge on Texas this weekend, but Baker Mayfield will be watching with a keen eye on Saturday’s events.