Oklahoma State’s dramatic comeback against BYU epitomized their season’s ups and downs, culminating in a shot at the conference championship. Ollie Gordon II scored his fifth touchdown in double overtime, leading the No. 21 Cowboys to a 40-34 victory after overcoming an 18-point deficit. Trey Rucker sealed the win by forcing a crucial fumble from BYU’s Isaac Rex, marking Oklahoma State’s third-largest comeback in school history confirmed by replay review.
The season has been a roller-coaster for Oklahoma State, marked by unpredictability yet ultimately successful outcomes. Starting 2-2 with a disappointing loss to South Alabama, they rebounded with five consecutive wins, including a pivotal victory over Oklahoma. Despite a setback against UCF, they showcased resilience with notable comebacks against Houston and BYU, overcoming deficits of 14 points or more in consecutive games for the first time in school history.
Head coach Mike Gundy reflected on their journey, acknowledging the challenges but expressing pride in his team’s achievements: “We sure make it hard on ourselves to get to where we want to go. That was a really good win for our team. I’m very proud of them.”
With a record of 9-3 (7-2 Big 12, No. 20 CFP), Oklahoma State secured their spot in the Big 12 championship game and eliminated Oklahoma from contention. They now face No. 7 Texas in Arlington, Texas, aiming for their first conference title since 2011.
The Cowboys, who were defeated by Baylor in the conference title game two years ago, did not face the Longhorns during the regular season.
“Texas is currently performing at a very high level,” Gundy commented. “They have good players, great players. They’ve always had talent and play at a high level. They’re a challenging team to compete against. But I have confidence in my team.”
Gordon, leading the nation in rushing entering the week, accumulated 166 yards on a cold, rainy day, bringing his season total to 1,580 yards. His five touchdowns matched a school record set three times by Barry Sanders in 1988, Sanders’ Heisman Trophy-winning season.
On the game-winning play, Gordon took a handoff, initially moved left, evaded a defender, reversed direction, and leaped over two BYU players into the end zone.
“It was more about not letting my teammates down,” Gordon reflected. “Most of our offensive linemen are seniors who’ve been giving their all this season. I didn’t want to fall short for them.”
Alan Bowman passed for 321 yards, while Leon Johnson III caught nine passes for 132 yards for Oklahoma State.
Jake Retzlaff, starting in place of the injured Kedon Slovis, threw for 166 yards and ran for two touchdowns for BYU (5-7, 2-7), needing a win to qualify for a bowl game. The teams traded scores in the final minute to force overtime. Gordon’s 15-yard touchdown with 53 seconds left gave Oklahoma State a 27-24 lead, but BYU’s Simi Moala blocked the extra point. BYU then tied the game with a 48-yard field goal by Will Ferrin as regulation ended.
In overtime, Retzlaff and Gordon exchanged rushing touchdowns in the first round. Gordon’s 2-yard run in the second overtime put Oklahoma State ahead for good.
BYU led 24-6 at halftime. Gordon’s first touchdown, a 2-yard run early in the third quarter, narrowed the gap. Another 2-yard score by Gordon and a two-point conversion pass from Bowman to Rashod Owens made it 24-21 with 10:53 left.
Retzlaff’s 2-yard rushing touchdown put BYU ahead 7-6 late in the first quarter.
In the early stages of the second quarter, Eddie Heckard intercepted Bowman and returned it 13 yards for a touchdown, giving the Cougars a 14-6 lead.
BYU extended their lead further with an 11-yard touchdown run by Keelan Marion, capping an 89-yard drive. They added a 42-yard field goal by Ferrin just before halftime, but their scoring halted until the final play of regulation.
“We gave it our all,” BYU coach Kalani Sitake commented. “Ultimately, mistakes proved costly, but I commend the team for their effort. They fought hard, but we fell short on crucial plays, especially in the second half.”
BYU’s defeat meant that out of the Big 12’s four new additions this season, only UCF managed to secure a bowl berth.
