Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel had arguably his best performance in the Ducks’ biggest game of the season. Gabriel threw for 283 yards and four touchdowns, leading the No. 1 Ducks to a Big Ten championship in the conference’s first year. After the game, Gabriel couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear.

“I’m just smiling because we’re Big Ten champs. I smile because we took advantage of an opportunity we had. Shoot, we could have done it at the Eugene Country Club, 100-yard field, if we had to.” But more importantly, we smiled.

The Ducks defeated Penn State 45-37 on Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Gabriel couldn’t contain himself as he burst with gratitude and perspective after the game and spent his press conference talking about what made the season so far special for the Ducks.

“You live for these moments. In a life where you throw yourself out in the front yard or on the street as a child and dream about those moments and want to be in them… I’m grateful for everyone coming together.” “It’s a special group,” Gabriel said. “Take a step back and look at the moments we had this season. Our big players made great plays in those moments. I love that part of it.”

While Oregon’s quarterback is proud of his team, Ducks coach Dan Lanning is certainly proud of Gabriel, his quarterback.

“(Dillon) deserves everything that comes his way,” Lanning said. “I told him that earlier this week when he was named player of the year in the Big Ten. If someone can’t look at that performance and realize how special they are. This team believes in him. They’re grateful every day.” For him, it’s about the connection and the people he shows in big games. I’ve never been around players like Dillon. “

Gabriel said the undefeated season and Big Ten title was a culmination of the team’s confidence and belief in another season.

“The time and energy we put into this, and you have a moment to make it happen. And I won’t let this moment pass me by. I know how much time and energy I put into it. So, the I’m going to get the ball where it needs to be and I’m going to make it work.

While Gabriel had one of his best games of the year, the Big Ten Championship Game MVP award went to his favorite target, wide receiver Tez Johnson. After the game, the Oregon quarterback talked about the special connection he has with Johnson.

“(Tez) is special. He knows it. I think when you’re around a talented person, you appreciate it, because just the way he is, he’s electric, and when he gets the ball in his hands, he’s going to make you.” But more than that, you appreciate the person. As everyone knows, I have been playing football for a long time. And when you’re around people who love the game and do what they do in a special way, they appreciate that of what we do,” Gabriel said.

The Ducks now await their quarterfinal game as they are guaranteed a bye in the first round of the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 team in the country. The rankings will be released on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. PT.