Some games just feel different from the opening kickoff. When you talk about BYU football vs Oklahoma State football, you’re not just looking at a box score or a random Big 12 conference matchup. You’re looking at a clash of cultures, styles, and two of the most loyal fanbases in the country.
Honestly, it’s wild how quickly this has turned into a "must-watch" game. A few years ago, these teams were barely on each other's radar. Now? They’re producing some of the most heart-stopping drama in college football.
The Night Provo Shook: October 18, 2024
If you weren't watching that Friday night in 2024, you missed a classic. No, seriously. BYU was sitting at 6-0, ranked No. 13 in the nation, and Oklahoma State was desperately trying to snap a losing streak. On paper, it looked like BYU might cruise. Instead, we got a slugfest.
Jake Retzlaff is a name that BYU fans will probably be telling their grandkids about. The kid has ice in his veins. With only 1:13 left on the clock, Oklahoma State took a 35-31 lead after Alan Bowman found Brennan Presley for a touchdown. The stadium went quiet. For a second, it felt like the undefeated season was over.
But then Retzlaff happened. He marched the Cougars 75 yards in about a minute. The game-winner was a 35-yard beauty to Darius Lassiter with just 10 seconds left. Final score: 38-35. LaVell Edwards Stadium basically exploded.
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By the Numbers (The Real Ones)
While everyone focuses on the final catch, the stats tell a deeper story of how evenly matched these two programs actually are.
- Total Yards: BYU had 473, Oklahoma State had 421.
- The Ground Game: It was almost a mirror image. BYU rushed for 255 yards, while the Cowboys put up 269.
- The Stars: Ollie Gordon II was a monster for the Pokes, racking up 107 yards and three total touchdowns. On the other side, LJ Martin went off for 120 yards for the Cougars.
It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. It proved that BYU belongs at the top of the Big 12, and it showed that Mike Gundy’s Cowboys, even in a "down" year, are never truly out of a fight.
Why the Gundy vs. Sitake Dynamic Works
You’ve got Kalani Sitake, the heart-on-his-sleeve leader who has transformed BYU’s identity. Then you have Mike Gundy, the longest-tenured coach in the Big 12, known for his mullet (RIP) and his "I'm a man, I'm 40" grit.
They are remarkably similar. Both programs rely on "blue-collar" developmental players. They don't always get the five-star recruits that Texas or Oklahoma used to hoard, but they win with scheme, toughness, and older, more experienced rosters.
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When BYU football vs Oklahoma State football kicks off, you're seeing two coaches who actually know how to build a program, not just a flashy transfer portal team.
Historical Context Most People Forget
Believe it or not, this isn't just a 2020s thing. These teams played in the 1974 Fiesta Bowl and the 1976 Tangerine Bowl. Back then, Oklahoma State owned the series, winning both of those postseason matchups comfortably.
Fast forward to the 2023 season finale in Stillwater. That was the game that really lit the fuse. Oklahoma State won a 40-34 double-overtime thriller to punch their ticket to the Big 12 Championship. BYU was fighting just to become bowl-eligible. They fell short, but the intensity of that game set the stage for the 2024 revenge match in Provo.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and 2026
The Big 12 schedule is a chaotic mess, but that’s why we love it. Interestingly, BYU and Oklahoma State aren't scheduled to play every single year due to the conference's "four-and-four" scheduling model.
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In 2025, BYU misses the Cowboys on the regular-season slate. While some fans might be relieved to avoid Ollie Gordon II for a year, it’s a bummer for those of us who love the high-stakes energy these two bring. However, with the way the Big 12 is structured now, there’s a very real chance they meet in Arlington for the conference title.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on catching the next installment of this rivalry, here’s what you actually need to know:
- Home Field is Massive: Provo and Stillwater are two of the loudest environments in the country. The home team has won the last two regular-season meetings. If you’re traveling, prepare for a wall of sound.
- Watch the Quarterback Run: Both systems lately have thrived when the QB can extend plays. Whether it’s Retzlaff’s scrambling or whatever new signal-caller Gundy develops, the game is usually won on third-and-long scrambles.
- The "Ollie" Factor: If Ollie Gordon II is on the field, the game plan starts and ends with him. BYU's defense has historically struggled with elite, patient zone-runners, and Gordon is exactly that.
- Betting Trends: These games almost always go over the total. Both defenses are aggressive, which leads to big plays—for both sides.
The reality is that BYU football vs Oklahoma State football has become the new heartbeat of the Big 12. It’s loud, it’s high-scoring, and it’s unpredictable. Whether it’s a snowy night in the mountains or a humid afternoon in Oklahoma, you can bet it won't be boring.
To stay ahead of the next matchup, keep an eye on the injury reports for the offensive lines. In both 2023 and 2024, the team that won the "trench war" in the fourth quarter ended up taking the game. Make sure you're tracking the development of BYU's young secondary as well, as they'll be the ones tasked with stopping the Cowboys' explosive air attack in the seasons to come.