BYU Stays Undefeated with Last-Second Win Over Oklahoma State

Eric Boggs October 19, 2024

In a thrilling Friday night showdown, No. 13 BYU kept its undefeated season alive with a stunning 38-35 come-from-behind victory over Oklahoma State, improving to 7-0 and 4-0 in the Big 12. The game, played at LaVell Edwards Stadium, showcased the resilience and determination of the Cougars as they erased multiple deficits to claim victory in the final seconds.

Quarterback Jake Retzlaff led the heroic charge, completing a 75-yard drive in just over a minute to secure the win. With 10 seconds left on the clock, Retzlaff found wide receiver Darius Lassiter for a 35-yard touchdown, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. “That was out-of-body,” Retzlaff said after the game. “A spiritual experience.”

One to remember for sure!! https://t.co/Lqs0TRefHF
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 19, 2024

Oklahoma State, leading 35-31 after a late touchdown by Brennan Presley, appeared to have dashed BYU’s hopes. The Cowboys took the lead with 1:13 left in the game after an 8-minute, 76-yard drive. But Retzlaff and the Cougars weren’t finished. The junior quarterback converted a critical 4th-and-7 pass to Chase Roberts and followed up with a 27-yard run that brought BYU into striking distance. Lassiter then sealed the victory with his game-winning catch, breaking three tackles along the way.

“It was just a great feeling, especially doing it in front of the ROC [BYU’s student section],” Lassiter said. He finished the night with six receptions for 129 yards, including a 50-yard catch on the first play of the game. Retzlaff passed for 218 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, though his second-half heroics will be remembered as one of the season’s defining moments.

The Cowboys, who led for most of the game, saw key contributions from running back Ollie Gordon II, who rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Oklahoma State quarterback Alan Bowman took over after starter Garrett Rangel left the game with an injury and completed 11-of-19 passes for 85 yards, adding a 16-yard trick-play touchdown reception from Presley in the fourth quarter. Presley’s late touchdown seemed to be the knockout blow, but BYU had other plans.

This play will go down in HISTORY @jretz11 @darius_lassiter pic.twitter.com/lgKWTGVWYK
— BYUtv Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) October 19, 2024

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake praised his team’s fight, acknowledging the mistakes but celebrating the victory. “We made too many mistakes, but I am proud of the way we found a way to win,” Sitake said. “It was good for our program, good for the players. We just have to keep getting better.”

This game marks the first-ever meeting between BYU and Oklahoma State in Provo, and the Cougars’ first win in the all-time series, which the Cowboys had led 3-0. Oklahoma State won last year’s matchup in double overtime, but this time, BYU flipped the script in dramatic fashion.

BYU’s victory keeps their Big 12 title and College Football Playoff hopes alive as they prepare for a road game at UCF next week. The Cougars’ dream season continues, powered by Retzlaff’s late-game heroics and Lassiter’s clutch catch that will go down in Cougar lore.