Dillon Gabriel says Oklahoma's line 'played their butt off'

The Oklahoma Sooners’ season did not go as planned in 2022, nor did their final game of the season; a matchup against Florida State in the Cheez-It Bowl on Friday. Oklahoma came up just short, losing to Florida State 35-32 after taking a 17-11 lead into the half. Still, the Sooners’ offense, and offensive line, put together a solid performance against the Seminoles’ stingy defensive line. And after the game, Oklahoma’s starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel praised his line, saying they ‘played their butt off’ despite the loss.

“I want to do whatever it takes for this team to win. Obviously, it is a little frustrating when it doesn’t happen,” said Gabriel. “Personally, I think the O-line played their butt off in the sense of their effort. They are guys who care, and they are competing for their opportunity at hand. I can respect that. In times of a game, things happen. MA’s happen, or shoot, sometimes you just lose a rip.

“But, they continued to fight. Regardless of the situation, AP coming in and playing his butt off; I am proud of them. More importantly, because they are my friends and guys I have connected with and are really close to. Whenever it’s like that, you are riding with them forever, regardless of the situation.”

Oklahoma’s offensive line was dominant in the rushing game against Florida State. The Sooners cleared the way in the trenches for two Sooners running backs, Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk, to each rush for over 100 yards. Barnes ended the game with 27 carries for 108 yards and one touchdown. And Sawchuk added 15 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown.

Unfortunately, for as good as the Sooners’ offense was on Friday, the defense was a near-polar opposite. Oklahoma allowed Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis to throw for 418 yards while completing 27 of his 38 pass attempts. They were able to pick off Travis once; however, they did allow two touchdowns through the air. Along with that, Oklahoma nearly allowed Florida State to have their own 100-yard rusher. Running back Treshaun Ward finished the game with ten rushes for 81 yards with two touchdowns.

The season might not have entered the way the Sooners would have liked, but that strong offensive line play is something they can build on heading into the 2023 season.