No. 13 BYU vs. Oklahoma State: Gameday Score Prediction

PROVO, Utah – BYU vs. Oklahoma State marks their fourth meeting ever.

It is the first time BYU will face a repeat opponent as a member of the Big 12 Conference.

Last year, Oklahoma State defeated BYU 40-34 in double overtime in Stillwater.

BYU hasn't lost a game since its setback to the Pokes last November. The Cougars had a 6-0 start and a 3-0 mark in Big 12 play.

Oklahoma State is still looking for its first win in Big 12 action this year. The Cowboys are 0-3 in Big 12 play for the first time since 2005.

No. 13 BYU vs. Oklahoma State

Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium

Kick-off: 8:15 p.m. (MT)

TV: ESPN

Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM) – Extended preview begins at 5:30 p.m

Three thoughts on match day

1. Revenge factor

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake downplayed the “revenge factor” against Oklahoma State this week. However, his teams were good in revenge situations.

One of the best wins of his career as BYU head coach was a revenge game against No. 6 Wisconsin in 2018, a year after the Badgers burned BYU 40-6 in Provo.

BYU defeated Utah and USF in revenge spots in 2021; The same goes for last year's win at Arkansas.

Quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who was in defeat in Stillwater last year, made the importance of this game clear.

“We remember that. So we are ready because we owe them something,” said Retzlaff.

I'll strap her in. pic.twitter.com/2vRlmDEzwX

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 17, 2024

2. BYU's defense needs to be strong in the first half

If you want to nitpick about BYU's last two wins in Provo, the defense got off to a slow start.

Against Kansas State and Arizona, the BYU defense, which has shined this year, gave up too many yards early in the games. There have been reports that Oklahoma State will use backup Garrett Rangel at quarterback this week. If he gets the nod, don't let him or star RB Ollie Gordon get too confident early in this game.

Reset measures early and BYU should be able to compete in this game.

BYU enters the matchup with the defense with the best passing efficiency in the country, which should be a concern for any Oklahoma State quarterback facing BYU.

3. Take care of business on third down

BYU's third down conversion rate, ranked 124th nationally, deserves some context as they view the opposing side of the field as four-down territory. However, the 30.6% conversion rate needs to be improved so that they are not forced to make aggressive decisions as often.

BYU's fourth down conversion rate is 78.6%, good for 11th nationally.

One area I will be keeping an eye on is BYU's yardage on third downs. It would be hugely beneficial for BYU to have third-and-shorts, which could allow them to turn to LJ Martin, Hinckley Ropati and Sione I. Moa on the floor to eat up time.

Two BYU vs. Oklahoma State questions

1. What tricks will Mike Gundy throw at BYU after a bye week?

Mike Gundy's Oklahoma State team is 19-11 heading into the bye week. A coach like Gundy has the ability to turn a bye into an impressive game plan to catch a team off guard.

Look at last year. The Pokes were 2-2 with a loss to South Alabama. They came off the bye week, defeated Kansas State, and started their run to the Big 12 Championship Game.

Advanced #BYU Coverage ahead of Friday night's game against Oklahoma State.

Coverage begins at 5:30 p.m @kslnewsradio & @kslsports app. #BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/aKz6lFZa6b

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 17, 2024

There have been reports that Garret Rangel will be given the starting job at quarterback for Alan Bowman.

I'm curious to see if Oklahoma State continues to invest this year or if they put together building blocks for 2025 and beyond. We'll see. But don't leave it to Gundy and offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn to create a few looks that BYU hasn't seen yet this year.

The BYU defense has the talent to withstand new attacks. But this will be an interesting test.

2. Will Jake Retzlaff deliver a great passing performance?

Jake Retzlaff hasn't had a 300-yard passing performance since Week 1 against Southern Illinois. Neither Retzlaff nor anyone on the BYU team is worried about that, as the team is currently 6-0 and on a roll.

But assuming the weather holds up without rain, this matchup could provide some opportunities for Retzlaff and the BYU passing attack to gain some big yards through the air.

Oklahoma State ranks 109th nationally in passing yards allowed (258.5) and 68th in pass efficiency defense.

One-score prediction for BYU vs. Oklahoma State

BYU is the better team in this matchup. However, Oklahoma State can pull off a surprise with its coaching staff. Wild things happen in the Big 12, but I don't think there will be any disappointment at BYU.

BYU's trench game has been underrated this season on both offense and defense. The defensive line with seniors Tyler Batty, Blake Mangelson and John Nelson has shined this season. Behind them on the second level of defense are Jack Kelly, Harrison Taggart and National Defensive Player of the Week Isaiah Glasker.

The offensive line with Bruce Mitchell under center didn't miss a beat in replacing the injured Connor Pay.

Ollie Gordon is held under 100 yards and BYU's offense puts together another efficient performance to keep their undefeated season intact.

Score Prediction: BYU 34, Oklahoma State 20

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12-3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch's coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah's sports leader. It allows you to stream live radio and videos and stay up to date with all your favorite teams.

Follow @Mitch_Harper