UCF Football: 3 takeaways from statement win over Stanford

3. Dillon Gabriel put up a breakout performance against Stanford

In his first two games for UCF, Dillon Gabriel started to reveal the potential he held as the next great Knights quarterback. The true freshman came in to relieve Notre Dame transfer Brandon Wimbush in the opener against FCS Florida A&M, and in that contest Gabriel put up 127 yards and three touchdowns on 9-of-13 passing. A week later, getting his first college start, Gabriel went just 7-of-19 against Florida Atlantic but posted 245 yards and two scores.

Josh Heupel opted to stick with the freshman as his starter for the critical showdown against Stanford, and the coach’s trust in the youngster paid off in a huge way. Gabriel made smart decisions throughout the contest, avoiding turnovers and driving a high-powered Knights offense expertly.

The youngster finished the day 22-of-30 for 347 yards. Gabriel launched three first-half touchdown passes that went for 28 yards, 38 yards, 38 yards as the Knights built up a huge lead before halftime. Gabriel added another one-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Though he didn’t have to use his legs much, Mitchell added nine yards on the ground on three carries.

In the end, Gabriel locked up the starting position for UCF ahead of Wimbush and incumbent Darriel Mack Jr. Look for Gabriel to be back on the field for the road trip to Heinz Field to face Pitt next weekend as the Knights look to make it 28 regular-season wins in a row.