Brent Venables: Love the ‘fight, courage and toughness’ Oklahoma, Dillon Gabriel showed in 20-6 victory over Cincinnati

The Oklahoma Sooners advanced to 4-0 on the season Saturday afternoon, defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats by a score of 20-6.

It was an impressive all-around performance from the Sooners, as they got contributions from a number of different players. Afterwards, Brent Venables spoke with FOX’s Jenny Taft to recap Oklahoma’s win.

“Love the fight, the courage, the toughness that they showed today,” Venables said, regarding his defense’s performance. “They just kept playing. Regardless of what was going on on the field, they just continued to keep the right mindset. Playing and competing to a standard. Every single snap. Really proud of them.”

While the defense was stout for Oklahoma, welcoming Cincinnati to the Big 12 with a loss, Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel was tremendous as well, completing 26-of-38 pass attempts for 322 and a touchdown, adding 25 rushing yards and a touchdowns with his legs.

Continuing, Venables was pleased with Gabriel’s performance, as he got his first ever victory against the Bearcats in his third attempt.

“He was fantastic,” responded Venables, praising his quarterback. “There’s a lot of different ways to win. I loved how we complimented each other. Again, there’s going to be opposition. Things aren’t always going to be easy. Our guys just focus on the next play. Having the mindset of what’s next.

“I love the fight, the toughness. They came out in the second half and put together a couple of drives when they needed to. Dillon was fantastic. … Really, really good, strong win for us on the road.”

On the other side, Cincinnati quarterback Emory Jones went through fits all throughout the afternoon for the Bearcats. The Oklahoma defense held him to 235 yards passing, zero touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Sooners were ranked No. 16 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll, but they’re bound to climb now. Next week, Oklahoma has another Big 12 matchup with the Iowa State Cyclones, but the big game will come afterwards.

Venables’ squad can’t get caught looking ahead, as their date with the Texas Longhorns looms large on the horizon. While the two programs will continue to play when they move to the SEC, there’s something to be said about their final showdown in the Big 12.

That’s all for next week though, as Brent Venables, Dillon Gabriel and company can enjoy their victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats for now, as they continue their undefeated season for another week.

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