BYU Anticipates Weather Challenges Against Oklahoma State

The Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars, holding a record of 6-0, are preparing to face Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-3) this Friday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. The game, set for an 8:15 p.m. kickoff and to be broadcast by ESPN, could take place amid drastically colder conditions, with forecasts suggesting the possibility of rain or even snow in higher elevations around Utah.

Jay Hill, BYU’s defensive coordinator, expressed confidence that the weather should not be a concern for the team. “Well, it shouldn’t be [a factor] for us. We are a cold-weather team. We are used to living at altitude. We are used to cold weather,” Hill stated, underlining the team’s readiness for adverse conditions.

Playing at an altitude and accustomed to practicing in evolving weather conditions, the Cougars aim to leverage this home-field advantage against the visiting Cowboys. In contrast, Oklahoma State, which is enduring a difficult season with a 0-3 record in conference play, is heading into the game with high stakes, trying to salvage their season.

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff, a Southern California native, faced challenges in cooler climates before. He had a less than stellar performance in suboptimal weather last year in the Sooner State, completing 14 of 30 passes for 161 yards. Retzlaff acknowledged the importance of this game, reflecting on last year’s loss against Oklahoma State, which cost them a bowl game berth: “This is a game where we remember last [year], late November. We remember that. So we are coming out ready this week, because we know we owe them one.”

Coach Kalani Sitake is emphasizing a focus on humility and hunger over revenge, as national attention ramps up following BYU’s undefeated start. “It is going to be a dogfight, man. It is going to be a lot of fun,” Sitake said, directing attention to the challenges presented by Oklahoma State’s offensive strategies.

The Cowboys are expected to introduce redshirt sophomore Garett Rangel as their starting quarterback. Rangel, who hasn’t made a significant mark as a passer or rusher, is tasked with reinvigorating Oklahoma State’s offense, which has struggled this season. Rangel’s main challenge will be BYU’s formidable defense, which leads the nation in defensive pass efficiency.

Defensive focus will also be on stopping Oklahoma State’s junior running back Ollie Gordon II, last year’s Doak Walker Award winner. Gordon has yet to have a breakout game this season but presents a formidable threat that requires meticulous game planning by BYU.

Moreover, the Cowboys will be without key defensive players, linebackers Collin Oliver and Nick Martin, which could create opportunities for BYU’s running game to make a significant impact. Despite not yet having a standout performance in rushing this season, BYU is aiming to exploit Oklahoma State’s vulnerability in run defense, particularly as the Cowboys have allowed an average of 293 rushing yards per game against Power Four opponents.