As we roll into Week 8 of the college football season, the BYU Cougars are set to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys on October 19, 2024. Both squads are eager to make their mark in the Big 12, where every win is crucial for securing a shot at the postseason.
BYU Cougars
The Cougars are in their second year in the Big 12 and are looking to keep the good vibes going from their early wins this season. Kalani Sitake’s team is all about that tough football style, featuring a strong running game and a solid defense.
Kedon Slovis has had a solid season as quarterback, showing great efficiency and stepping up as a leader when it counts. His chemistry with wide receiver Keanu Hill has been crucial for BYU’s offense, with Hill serving as a major deep threat that keeps defenses on their toes.
The Cougars take pride in their run defense, led by their star linebacker Ben Bywater. However, their secondary has struggled against teams with strong passing attacks, which could be an issue when facing Oklahoma State’s dynamic offense.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State is bouncing back this season with coach Mike Gundy at the helm after a shaky beginning. The Cowboys have found their groove with a versatile offense, thanks to quarterback Garret Rangel. He’s been sharp in the passing game, proving he can make things happen both in the pocket and on the run.
Ollie Gordon has been a key player for Oklahoma State, consistently slicing through defenses with his mix of speed and power. His knack for turning small gains into big plays has really made a difference, particularly in clutch situations. On the other hand, wide receiver Jaden Bray provides Rangel with a dependable option, and his skill in making tough catches has been crucial for the Cowboys in keeping the offense rolling.
Oklahoma State’s defense has definitely gotten better, but they still have some weaknesses when it comes to handling powerful rushing teams. With linebacker Xavier Benson, the Cowboys have been able to create turnovers, but they’ve had their fair share of trouble stopping the run. BYU is likely to take advantage of that.
Key Matchups to Watch
BYU’s Running Game vs. Oklahoma State’s Front Seven
The way BYU likes to run the ball makes the clash between Aidan Robbins and Oklahoma State’s defensive line super important. If the Cowboys can’t keep Robbins in check, BYU will dominate the clock and tire out Oklahoma State’s defense. The Cowboys really need their front seven, with Benson at the helm, to come through and fill those gaps right from the start.
Garret Rangel vs. BYU’s Secondary
BYU’s defensive backs have been hit or miss, giving up some big plays in the passing game. Rangel and Bray are definitely going to try to take advantage of that. If BYU’s secondary can’t contain Bray or throw Rangel off his game, Oklahoma State might jump ahead, putting BYU in a tough spot where they have to play catch-up—something the Cougars don’t want to deal with.
Gaming Approaches and Techniques
BYU’s Path to Victory: To win, BYU has to lean on their toughness and running game to control the clock. They should focus on giving the ball to Aidan Robbins and let Slovis handle things without taking unnecessary risks. On defense, it’s crucial to limit big plays by keeping Rangel and Gordon under control and making sure the Cowboys face third-and-long situations.
Oklahoma State’s Path to Victory: The Cowboys have to make their mark in the passing game, especially with Garret Rangel looking to connect with Jaden Bray on deep throws. If Oklahoma State can get ahead early by taking advantage of BYU’s secondary, they can push the Cougars into a predictable offense. On the defensive side, the Cowboys need to crowd the line and keep Robbins in check, putting Slovis in tough passing scenarios.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 29, BYU 25
Oklahoma State managed to snag a win in a game full of ups and downs, but BYU’s determination kept things close right up to the end. Ultimately, it was Oklahoma State’s knack for pulling off some crucial plays in the final moments that made all the difference.