Gabriel did not come back, and the Sooners lost for the second straight game.
Gabriel ran around the left end with Oklahoma trailing 34–10, slid feet-first, and was forcefully struck by TCU linebacker Jamoun Hodge, who lowered a shoulder into Gabriel’s helmet. The players from both teams had to be separated, so Gabriel lay on the ground for a few minutes.
Hodge was ejected after being reported as a target.
After the game, Oklahoma coach Brent Venables stated, “I don’t think a whole lot about the hit,” adding that he was not aware of any new information. It’s a component of the game; it’s football. Dillon’s health and safety are my main concerns.”
Defense back Dannon Harmon was knocked back during a tackle in the fourth quarter, which resulted in him lying on the ground and another frightening injury for the Sooners.
While medical personnel placed Harmon on a stretcher and took him for additional assessment, both teams knelt on the field.
According to Venables, “he’s had some back issues in the past.” “A surgeon who was present thought that his neck was stable and in good condition, but they will still examine him, perform an MRI, and take certain precautions. He was experiencing excruciating pain.”
In the opening remarks of his postgame press conference, TCU coach Sonny Dykes expressed his regret for Gabriel’s injury and expressed hope that Harmon was doing well.
“I detested how that transpired,” Dykes remarked. “Dillon plays the game so well. Furthermore, I am aware that Jamoi had no intention of that happening. It was upsetting to him. I hope both of those guys get well soon and are able to play for Oklahoma. My thoughts are with them.”
Before the injury, Gabriel was 7 of 16 for 12 yards. He was helped off the field and later declared out of the game. Davis Beville, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound junior who transferred from Pitt this year, took Gabriel’s spot.
After getting hurt against BYU, Dillon Gabriel is out for Oklahoma; Jackson Arnold takes his place
QB Dillon Gabriel will be sidelined for the entirety of Oklahoma Sooners’ Week 12 game against BYU.
After appearing to have suffered a head injury late in the first half, Gabriel left the game, and when the Sooners came back out to play in the second half, he was nowhere to be seen warming up. Gabriel was replaced in the game by Jackson Arnold, a five-star rookie quarterback.
Since Arnold’s entry was his fifth of the season, the 2023 campaign will not be deducted from his redshirt total.
At the time of his departure, Gabriel was 13 of 21 for 191 yards and two touchdowns. The Sooners and Cougars were tied at 17 at the half.
As of now in 2023, Gabriel has thrown for 3,260 yards, 27 touchdowns, and five interceptions, helping the Sooners to an 8-2 record.
Before facing the Cougars, Arnold was 13 of 15 for 169 yards and two touchdowns. According to 247 Sports, the true freshman ranked as the No. 10 overall player in the Class of 2023, the No. 4 quarterback, and the top player from Texas.
