Oklahoma State has lost three games in a row and is looking for a spark. The spark they are looking for could come through backup quarterback Garret Rangel. Cowboys starter Alan Bowman has been benched twice this season: against Utah and West Virginia. After the bye week, it appears Oklahoma State is officially parting ways with Bowman. On Thursday, the O’Colly reported that Garret Rangel will start against BYU and freshman Zane Flores will be his backup.

“Well, we’re working with all our guys and making sure they get good quality work. I told the coaches we had to make a decision on Thursday after practice,” Gundy told the media on Monday.

Rangel has played quite a bit for the Cowboys in three seasons, but his statistical performance hasn’t been great. He has completed 50.9% of his 171 career pass attempts. His career TD/Int ratio is 7:6. He’s completing just 45.8% of his passes this season, though his last outing against West Virginia was his best. He completed 4/5 against the Mountaineers for 75 yards and a touchdown.

When Rangel entered the game against Utah, replacing Alan Bowman, Rangel was just 3/11 for 31 yards. He was eventually benched and Bowman returned to the game in the fourth quarter.

Rangel will face a tough road test at BYU. The Cougars rank first nationally in pass efficiency defense, just ahead of Texas, Washington, Iowa State and Notre Dame. BYU also ranks fifth nationally with 10 interceptions this season. The Cougars have had at least one interception in every game this season.

For the BYU defense, this game will hinge on stopping the run. Former Doak Walker Award winner Ollie Gordon is on the roster, he just hasn’t been as productive as he was in 2023. Gordon is averaging 3.8 yards per carry this season after averaging 6.1 yards per carry a year ago and leads the nation with 1,732 rushing yards.

It’s worth noting that Gordon got off to a slow start in 2023 as well. He had just 109 rushing yards after the first three games. He then ran for 1,116 over the next six games. Gordon’s breakout game is coming, the Cougars just have to make sure it doesn’t happen against them.

Oklahoma State is coming off a bye week, so setting up the run was certainly their top priority on offense. It’s also safe to expect that the Cowboys could add a few new wrinkles to the offense to find a spark.

If BYU can stop the run and force Oklahoma State to move the chains through the air, the Cougars will be well positioned to win this game.