PROVO, Utah — The Oklahoma State Cowboys, led by coach Mike Gundy, face a critical challenge as they attempt to avoid a four-game losing streak tonight against the undefeated 13th-ranked BYU Cougars. Both teams are bringing different narratives into the game, but Oklahoma State will need to regroup quickly after a string of tough losses.
Cowboys’ Struggles: A Test of Resilience
Oklahoma State entered the season with high hopes, but things haven’t gone as planned.
With a 3-3 overall record and 0-3 in the Big 12, the Cowboys have stumbled in their last three games. They narrowly lost to Utah, then suffered back-to-back blowouts at the hands of Kansas State and West Virginia. The losses weren’t just tough; they exposed issues on both sides of the ball, from a leaky defense to inconsistent quarterback play.
Here’s a quick look at their recent Big 12 performances:
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 21 | Utah | L, 22-19 |
| Sept. 28 | Kansas State | L, 42-20 |
| Oct. 5 | West Virginia | L, 38-14 |
Coach Mike Gundy will need to dig deep into his playbook to find solutions, especially with BYU’s aggressive defense on the other side.
BYU’s Dominance This Season
On the flip side, BYU has cruised through the season so far.
Coach Kalani Sitake has guided the Cougars to a perfect 6-0 record, including 3-0 in conference play. They’ve already exceeded their 5-7 mark from last season, showing vast improvement across the board. Wins over strong teams like Kansas State, Baylor, and Arizona have proven their mettle.
- BYU Record: 6-0 overall, 3-0 Big 12
- Key Wins: Kansas State, Baylor, Arizona
The Cougars have a well-balanced team that can beat opponents on both offense and defense. Tonight, they will look to continue their dominance, capitalizing on Oklahoma State’s weaknesses. However, BYU is not just relying on momentum—they’ve put in the work and are now a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12.
Injuries Impact Oklahoma State’s Game Plan
It’s not just about performance—Oklahoma State is also dealing with some key injuries.
Garret Rangel will be starting at quarterback for the Cowboys, stepping in for Alan Bowman, who has been benched after starting the first six games of the season. Rangel, a redshirt sophomore, offers a fresh spark to the offense, but it remains to be seen how he’ll fare against BYU’s tough defense. He already made an impact with a huge 54-yard run before leaving with a shoulder injury, adding drama to the Cowboys’ lineup.
Also missing in action is standout safety Trey Rucker, OSU’s leading tackler, who is out due to a leg injury. This means Oklahoma State’s defense will be more vulnerable in the secondary, especially against a BYU team that loves to exploit those areas.
| Key OSU Injuries | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Trey Rucker (Safety) | Out | Leg injury |
| Alan Bowman (Quarterback) | Benched | Coaching decision |
| Zane Flores (Backup QB) | Out for season | Leg surgery |
The injuries have forced OSU to adapt, with players like Lyrik Rawls and Parker Robertson stepping up to fill the voids.
BYU’s Defense Could Be a Problem
BYU’s defense is not something to underestimate.
With three interceptions in the first half of the game, including a crucial pick by Lyrik Rawls just before halftime, BYU has shown they can turn the tide of the game with defensive plays. Retzlaff, BYU’s quarterback, was intercepted for the third time, a stat that Oklahoma State must capitalize on if they want to stay in the game.
The Cowboys’ best chance will likely come from Ollie Gordon II, who has been a bright spot in their offense. Gordon is coming off a three-touchdown game, including an impressive hurdle over a BYU defender on a touchdown run. The young running back has explosive potential, and OSU will need to rely on him heavily if they want to overcome BYU’s defense.
