Kalani Sitake and the BYU football program return to action on Friday against Oklahoma State. The Cougars are 6-0 and looking to remain undefeated when they host 3-3 Oklahoma State. According to reports, the Cowboys will start backup quarterback Garret Rangel as they look to spark their offense. Today we’re talking about three keys to a BYU win over Oklahoma State.

If those 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 1,024 passing yards in his career and his overall TD/Int ratio is 7:6. Rangel is by no means a proven passer.

He’s not much of a runner either. He has 36 career carries and he has 30 total rush yards. He has 10 sacks in his career, which takes away from his rushing total, 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 on 17% of his pressures – but he’s not a huge rushing threat either.

BYU needs to stop Ollie Gordon first and foremost. If the Cougars can contain the 2023 Doak Walker Award winner and get Rangel into clear passing lanes, the BYU defense will have multiple opportunities for takeaways on Friday night. It will be a challenge for Rangel to put three or four chain movers together on the same ride. If BYU drafts Rangel at 3rd and 6th or longer, it will be a recipe for success.

That would play right into the hands of BYU’s defense, which ranks first nationally in defensive pass 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 quite a 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. He has halved that tally with two goals in his last three games.

On a cold night in potentially wet conditions, BYU needs to hold the ball and not give any points to Oklahoma State.

Oklahoma State has 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 can make things more difficult in the passing game. With a stable of running backs finally healthy, BYU needs to move the ball consistently on the ground.

Oklahoma State will be without its top two linebackers: Collin Oliver and Nick Martin. Regardless of the adjustments Oklahoma State made during the bye week, BYU needs to establish some ground dominance in this game.

BYU hasn’t had a breakout game in the ground game this season, driven in part by the revolving door at running back. BYU ranks 85th nationally in rushing yards per game, averaging 140 yards per game.