Dillon Gabriel Previews Oregon's Week 1 Matchup vs. Idaho

There’s a new signal caller running Will Stein’s offense in Eugene this year, as Oklahoma transfer Dillon Gabriel will start his first game for the Ducks on Saturday.

The senior met with reporters in Eugene following Tuesday’s practice to give his thoughts on the excitement around week 1 and facing the Idaho vandals.

Below you’ll find a partial transcription of some key quotes from Gabriel and some analysis.

Question: How’s it to finally—gonna be like to take the field here?

Gabriel: “It feels good. I think everyone’s excited. I think everyone around the country’s saying that. But I think more than anything I think just playing against someone else, but also preparing, getting in that mode is just a lot of fun. That’s why you play the game. It’s been a blast every second.”

Question: When the world has all the expectations of you, you undoubtedly have your own. What are your own?

Gabriel: “I keep it simple. Find a way to win. I don’t care how we do it, what it takes, but just find a way to get a W and be plus one on the scoreboard. That’ll be the mindset, of course there’s things you want to be better at within the game to help that that you focus on, but I look at that as a huge category in my book of—getting the dub is all that matters.”

Question: When you study preparing for this game, what stands out about their defense? What are the challenges they present?

Gabriel: “They’ve done a really good job, past year, not only defensively but offensively. They’re a really good team and know how to win, so I think that comes with its challenges. But also just a team that wants to win and come in and prove themselves. I’ve been at a lower program in UCF, and you look forward to these kinds of games. So I’m very aware that people come in and want to play their heart out for the game.”

Question: What is it about Dan that you think maybe does a good job of avoiding those issues with the team? (Overlooking an opponent)

Gabriel: “Not taking anyone lightly. Like I said you gotta go prove it every week. Logo isn’t gonna save you nothing, it’s all about what you do on the field and we know that. But I think just as a program we’re very clear on preparing and preparing as best as we can and going out there and executing. It’s a combination of those on Saturday.”

Question: What’s the excitement level for you, getting behind the Harley, running out of the tunnel? Has that started to hit you that it’s game week?

Gabriel: “Yeah. I mean I did it in the spring game and I think that was just a little taste honestly. It’s just a lot more real. Something about, as athletes when this week your body’s just all of a sudden feeling good and ready to go. And you just kind of got an extra pep in your step. But I think when you run out there, gosh it’s ball, it’s fun. It’s why you put all the work in so you can just go play free and have fun.”

Torres’ Take

I think fans and media alike are all super excited to see a No. 8 behind center on Saturday. Gabriel will start his Oregon career with as good of a supporting cast as he’s ever had during his college career and with big expectations.

If everything goes according to plan, he should have a short but effective day leading the No. 3 Oregon offense against Idaho. Seeing that this will be my first time seeing him since I saw him at the Elite 11, I’ll be interested in how he navigates pressure in the pocket and how well he pushes the ball down field.

There’s no shortage of weapons for him and this game is about building on chemistry and communication, specifically with an offensive line that will likely look a bit different than it did in the spring given some injuries.