No. 13 BYU found a new way to win against Oklahoma State

Through the first six games of the season, BYU found a winning formula that served them well: a strong defense that constantly caused havoc, an opportunistic offense that didn't commit too many turnovers, and reliable special teams.

On Friday evening, this formula went out the window. The BYU defense had by far its worst performance of the season and the offense committed three turnovers in the first half. The game against Oklahoma State felt similar to BYU's home loss to Boise State in 2021, where multiple turnovers doomed BYU and ended its undefeated season after a 5-0 start. If BYU wanted to stay undefeated and improve to 7-0 against Oklahoma State, the Cougars had to find a new way to win: dominant offense.

While the defense struggled, allowing a season-high 269 rushing yards, the Cougars leaned on the offense to win the game. And the offense didn't have much room for error in the second half. With both teams dominating on the ground, the clock was ticking and possession was scarce. BYU's offense only had four possessions in the second half and they capitalized on all four:

BYU scored six points per possession in the second half and gained 91% of its available yards. It was BYU's best offensive half of the season and it came at a time when BYU needed it most.

The contrast between BYU's second-half offense against Oklahoma State in 2024 and 2023 is jarring. In 2023, BYU's offense had seven possessions in the second half as the Cougars tried to maintain the lead. The offense scored on the first six possessions of the second half before kicking a field goal on the final drive of regulation, sending the game into overtime. That was 0.4 points per possession, compared to 6.0 points per possession for BYU in 2024.

After a poor first half that included two rash interceptions, BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff was great in the second half. He was 6/10 for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns. Retzlaff provided the grip when BYU needed him most, including a key fourth down conversion on the final drive and the game-winning touchdown with 11 seconds left. Retzlaff was also effective with his legs, rushing for 81 yards on 9 carries.

Retzlaff had two opportunities for game-winning or game-winning drives in his BYU career. Ironically, both scored against Oklahoma State and Retzlaff delivered both times.

In 2023, BYU trailed 24-27 with 53 seconds left. Retzlaff led BYU 44 yards down the field in 53 seconds, setting up the game-winning field goal. In 2024, Retzlaff led BYU to the game-winning score with a 75-yard touchdown drive in 62 seconds.

Running back LJ Martin had his best game in a BYU uniform. Martin had 20 carries for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. Oklahoma State simply had no answer for Martin. When Martin is healthy, BYU's offense is very dangerous. Without two turnovers in Oklahoma State territory in the first half, BYU's offense would have had its best performance since 2022 or 2021.

The defense still caused some havoc, including two game-winning turnovers, but BYU lost the turnover 3-2. You'd have to go back several years to find the last time BYU won a game with a negative turnover margin.

In magical seasons you have to experience magical moments. Not every game will go as expected – it happens even to the best teams in college football. The fact that BYU was able to pull off a win against Oklahoma State in a new way is a testament to the resilience of this team.

There's still a lot to play for and BYU's run defense needs to get better. But at this point, the easiest way to describe this 2024 BYU football team is as special. To continue this special run, they must continue to improve and find new ways to win close games.

In his postgame press conference, BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff asked, “How can you not be romantic about this game?”

Considering the expectations for this BYU team heading into the season, how can you not be romantic about this team after a 7-0 start?