"This guy is Cool Hand Luke": Oregon HC Dan Lanning showers praises on QB Dillon Gabriel following his performance against Michigan

Dillon Gabriel put out another brilliant performance on Saturday in Week 10 as No. 1 Oregon beat reigning national champions Michigan 38-17 in Ann Arbor. With that, the Ducks maintained their undefeated record at The Big House with a dominant performance.

Following the exciting game in Ann Arbor, coach Dan Lanning showered praise on his quarterback who has lived up to expectations this season. Dillon Gabriel has been a brilliant replacement for Bo Nix and looks set to break some of his records in Eugene.

“This guy is Cool Hand Luke,” Lanning said. “He’s steady. Evan that last big pass to Traeshon, that wasn’t the initial play. That’s a great — we talk about scramble drill, those guys activated scramble drill and turned it into an explosive play.

“It’s a really impressive play by Dillon, super impressive play by Traeshon and taking advantage of opportunities. Recreating those situations in practice and executing them on the field is really special.”

---

Dillon Gabriel’s performance level becoming the standard at Oregon

Dillon Gabriel has been outstanding this season for Oregon. He completed 22-of-34 passes for 294 yards and one touchdown, while also securing a touchdown on the ground against the Wolverines on Saturday.

His level of consistency on the field has become the standard demanded by Dan Lanning at Oregon. The coach addressed how extraordinary the quarterback has been this season and how he motivates his teammates.

“I think everybody in here needs to realize that’s not ordinary,” Lanning said. “We are really blessed to have a special quarterback that is out there operating week in and week out, doing a really good job.

“I’ll say this, he’s earned the trust and the admiration of all his teammates and the coaches around him. This guy prepares extremely hard. He is the calmest dude you’ve ever been around on the field, which is impressive, but I’m really proud of him and what he’s been able to do for this team.”

Dillon Gabriel has thrown for 2,665 yards and 19 touchdowns and also rushed for 120 yards and six touchdowns. His superb performance has been crucial to the Ducks' undefeated record as they aim for the national championship.

Playing his final season of eligibility in college football, Gabriel is expected to significantly increase his draft stock this season. While not projected as a first-round pick due to his arm strength, he could seal a spot as an early Day 2 pick in 2025.