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Dillon Gabriel finds Tez Johnson for 31-yard TD giving Oregon early lead against Illinois

Cory Nightingale

By Cory Nightingale

Published:

Dillon Gabriel had some early game fun at Illinois’ expense on Saturday at a rocking Autzen Stadium that was getting used to its Oregon Ducks being the No. 1 team in the land.

The senior quarterback had time to basically read a few chapters of his favorite book before firing a strike down the middle to Tez Johnson, who zig-zagged his way around and through the Fighting Illini defense for a 31-yard touchdown catch just over 4 minutes into the game.

Gabriel already had rolled up 2,080 yards passing and 15 touchdown passes heading into Week 9, and he was showing why he’s a Heisman Trophy candidate running the show for the best team in college football, at least for now.

Not even 5 minutes later, Gabriel was at it again. Gabriel hit Justius Lowe for a 34-yard touchdown and a 14-0 lead, and the Ducks were off and running against a solid Illinois team that came in ranked 20th.

But Gabriel seemed undeterred, as the Oklahoma transfer continues to show the Sooners what they’re missing and keeps rewarding Oregon’s faith in him after he transferred to Eugune after the 2023 season. Gabriel has put up all those gaudy numbers so far in 2024 against just 4 interceptions, so he’s stayed away from the turnovers in helping the Ducks to the top ranking in the sport.

Cory Nightingale