Steve Sarkisian says Texas is preparing for Dillon Gabriel to play

Going into Red River between Texas and Oklahoma, both teams found themselves in unfamiliar territory. Both teams enter the game unranked for the first time since 1998. On top of that, both teams have major question marks at quarterback because of injuries. For Steve Sarkisian and Brent Venables, this is going to make the game that much more challenging.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian explained that the Longhorns are preparing for Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel to play on Saturday.

“First and foremost, we’re preparing for Dillon,” Steve Sarkisian said. “He’s the veteran quarterback, he’s been in this system, he operates it at a very high level, he’s a tremendous player, he’s got a ugreat rapport with Coach Lebby–calling the plays, they’ve worked together before. So, that’s the first part.”

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From Steve Sarkisian’s point of view, the Oklahoma scheme won’t change depending on who the quarterback is. So, he wants to prepare for Dillon Gabriel as the team’s most talented option.

“The second part is the system’s not gonna change. How they operate, the speed and temp at which they do, how they get the ball to their playmakers on the perimeter, their commitment to running the football, the physicality they play with upfront, those things are not gonna change,” Steve Sarkisian continued.

“So, regardless of who’s back there, they’re gonna run their plays. They’re gonna run their stuff, and we’ve gotta defend the system more so than the quarterback.”

Quinn Ewers expected to start for Texas

Quinn Ewers was injured early in Texas’ game against Alabama. He hasn’t played since then, missing three games in the meantime. However, it’s now being reported that Quinn Ewers will start against Oklahoma.

“Ewers will start at quarterback for the Longhorns versus the Oklahoma Sooners, sources told Inside Texas,” wrote Eric Nahlin of Inside Texas. “Pete Thamel was first to report.”