Three keys to a BYU win over Oklahoma State

Kalani Sitake and the BYU football program are back in action on Friday against Oklahoma State. The Cougars are 6-0 and look to remain undefeated when they host 3-3 Oklahoma State. The Cowboys will reportedly bring in backup quarterback Garret Rangel to boost their offense. Today we're talking about three keys to a BYU win over Oklahoma State.

If these reports are true, Garret Rangel will make his first start of the season against BYU. For his career, Rangel has completed 50.9% of his 171 pass attempts. He has passed for 1,024 yards in his career and his overall TD/INT ratio is 7:6. Rangel is by no means a proven passer.

He's not a great runner either. He has 36 carries and totaled 30 rush yards in his career. He has 10 sacks in his career, which hurts his rushing totals, but no matter how you look at it, he hasn't had much success on the ground. He's not a statue in the pocket – he's been sacked in 17% of his appearances – but he's not much of a threat either.

BYU needs to stop Ollie Gordon first and foremost. If the Cougars can contain the 2023 Doak Walker Award winner and put Rangel on obvious passing downs, the BYU defense will have multiple chances for takeaways on Friday night. It will be a challenge for Rangel to fit three or four chain drives together on the same drive. If BYU slots Rangel at No. 3 and 6 or higher, that's a recipe for success.

That would play right into the hands of BYU's defense, which ranks first in the country when it comes to defensive passing efficiency.

BYU is the better football team in this game. Point. If the Cougars play a clean game and protect the football, it will be a real challenge for the Pokes to leave Lavell Edwards Stadium with a win.

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has improved in this area. In the first three games of the year, Retzlaff had four turnovers. With two turnovers in the last three games, he has halved that number.

On a cold night and potentially wet conditions, BYU must keep the ball and not give points to Oklahoma State.

Oklahoma State has been one of the worst run defenses in the country and the worst run defense in the Big 12. Against four Power Four opponents this year, the Cowboys have allowed 293 rushing yards per game. Stopping the run was the top priority for Oklahoma State's defense during the bye week.

BYU needs to dominate on the ground in this game. Weather conditions could make the passing game difficult. With a stable of running backs finally healthy, BYU needs to move the ball on the ground with consistency.

Oklahoma State is without its two best linebackers in Collin Oliver and Nick Martin. Regardless of the adjustments Oklahoma State made during the bye week, BYU will need to establish some dominance on the ground in this game.

BYU has not had a breakout game in the ground game this season, in part due to the revolving door at running back. BYU ranks 85th nationally in rushing yards per game, averaging 140 yards per game.