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BYU suffered a heartbreaking 40-34 double-overtime loss to No. 20 Oklahoma State, dashing their bowl hopes.
The Cougars started strong, leading 24-6 at halftime, but faltered in the second half against the surging Cowboys, ending their season with a fifth consecutive defeat.
Here are three key takeaways from BYU’s final game:
The Cowboys, and Ollie Gordon, took over
Oklahoma State, led by star running back Ollie Gordon II, rallied in the second half and overtime, scoring five touchdowns to seal the win. Gordon’s incredible performance, including three crucial touchdowns, secured the victory for the Cowboys, showcasing his dominance as the nation’s leading rusher.
BYU’s second-half offensive woes wipe out a strong second quarter
Despite an impressive second quarter, which saw BYU take a commanding lead, the Cougars’ offense struggled in the second half, failing to maintain their momentum. BYU’s offensive output declined significantly in the later part of the game, resulting in a disappointing loss.
BYU’s defense simply wore down
While the Cougar defense had its moments, it ultimately struggled to contain Oklahoma State’s offense, allowing the Cowboys to rack up 509 yards and seize control of the game. The defense’s inability to make critical plays in the second half cost BYU dearly.
What’s next?
With their season now over, BYU faces a challenging off-season after a string of losses. The Cougars missed out on a bowl game for only the second time in 19 years, leaving them with much to ponder moving forward.
