BYU COUGARS

BYU Football Questions Answered In Loss Against Oklahoma

Nov 18, 2023, 2:35 PM | Updated: Nov 20, 2023, 11:10 am

PROVO, Utah – The BYU football team had opportunities to upset the No. 14 Oklahoma Sooners, but three costly turnovers helped Oklahoma win a tough one 31-24.

Let’s answer some questions from a wet and cold game at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Who was the MVP for BYU football?

Aidan Robbins provided something the Cougars have been needing all season long: a reliable run game.

He’s an easy choice for MVP. Robbins carried the ball 22 times for 182 yards.

Unfortunately, it will be the one carry he didn’t have that will remembered from this game. More on that later.

Robbins was honored on senior day. He has the choice to come back if he wants.

After what he showed against Oklahoma, it should be a top priority for the coaching staff to retain Robbins for next season.

What was the most impactful play of the game?

Robbins was rollin’ in the third quarter. He had runs of 25 and 22 yards that had the Cougars within two yards of taking a lead.

Out of the shotgun formation from the two yard line, BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff threw a pass intended from Kody Epps that was intercepted.

Oklahoma defender Billy Bowman returned the interception 100 yards to give Oklahoma a seven point lead.

It was a backbreaking turnover that completely changed the game.

“The play call was an RPO (read-pass option), which means run first,” said head coach Kalani Sitake in the post game press conference.

“There was a 14 point swing, which was horrible to go through. Turnovers cost us.”

It may have cost BYU a chance to play for a bowl game.

“Don’t make that throw,” Sitake added. “Hand that ball off the back.”

It’s a tough lesson to learn in a loss.

What was the most interesting stat from the game?

Coming into the game against the Sooners, the BYU rush attack was ranked 124th in the county.

They were only one of 11 teams below 100 yards on the ground per game.

Surprisingly, BYU had their best rushing game of the season amassing 217 yards.

Robbins outgained Oklahoma by himself with 38 more yards than Oklahoma.

The offensive line has been under fire all season long. They deserve some credit from how they performed against Oklahoma.

When was the game lost for BYU football?

It was an up and down game for quarterback Jake Retzlaff.

At times it looked like he would lead BYU to a big win.

However, his three turnovers were the main reason the Cougars lost the game.

His final turnover turned out to be the nail in the coffin for the BYU.

Retzlaff failed to recognize a blitz from linebacker Danny Stutsman.

The Oklahoma linebacker came free on the backside and jarred the ball loose, setting up a short field for the Sooner offense.

It was the third turnover of the game for Retzlaff and Oklahoma cashed in a touchdown three plays later.

BYU never threatened after that, and now they have one final chance to become bowl eligible at Oklahoma State.

You can hear Matt Baiamonte every Saturday on KSL Newsradio for Cougar Sports Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or you can find him on Twitter here.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

  • BYU Cougars Scoreboard

  • BYU Cougars Team Leaders

  • BYU Cougars Standings

BYU Cougars

Raider Damuni #3 of the Brigham Young Cougars...

Brian Preece

Sitake Says BYU Safety Raider Damuni Can Be ‘Eraser’ In Defensive Backfield

After showing flashes of brilliance through two seasons in Provo, BYU safety Raider Damuni gives the Cougars a versatile defender on the back end of the defense.

10 hours ago

Davis Darts football Bode Sparrow...

Brian Preece

Davis Darts Phenom Bode Sparrow Schedules Game Visits With Utah, BYU

A do-it-all athlete for the Davis Darts, three-star prospect Bode Sparrow is scheduled to visit seven potential colleges this fall, including Utah and BYU.

1 day ago

BYU Football, True Freshman, Starting Quarterbacks...

Mitch Harper

History Of BYU Football True Freshmen Starting At Quarterback

The history of true freshmen quarterbacks to start for BYU football.

2 days ago

Bear Bachmeier, BYU Football, Social Media Reaction...

Mitch Harper

Social Media Reacts To BYU Naming Bear Bachmeier Starting QB

Reactions poured in to BYU naming Bear Bachmeier the starting quarterback.

2 days ago

Mory Bamba #4 of the BYU Cougars...

Brian Preece

Sitake Believes BYU’s Mory Bamba Has ‘All The Tools’ To Be Big-Time Cornerback

BYU Cougars defensive back Mory Bamba enters his redshirt senior season with something to prove.

2 days ago

BYU Football, Bear Bachmeier, Starting QB...

Mitch Harper

BYU Football Names True Freshman Bear Bachmeier Starting QB

BYU turns to a true freshman quarterback to lead the Cougars into the 2025 season.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

two images of high school football players...

Northern Utah High School Player of the Week – Week 1 – Cade Hadley & Jack Savage

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school football player in Northern Utah.

kaneal sweetwyne tosses football...

Utah County High School Player of the Week – Week 1 – Kaneal Sweetwyne

Our first honoree of the 2025 prep season is Skyridge High School quarterback Kaneal Sweetwyne.

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 11

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 10

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

Page was generated in 0.080746173858643