The BYU football team faced a devastating loss in Stillwater, Oklahoma which has brought great disappointment to the players, coaches, and fans. The team lost to No. 20 Oklahoma State in a double-overtime, sending the Cowboys to the Big 12 championship game. The loss marks the end of a tough season for BYU, which has prevented them from being postseason-eligible for only the second time in 19 years.
Head coach Kalani Sitake expressed his disappointment after the game, acknowledging the difficulty of saying goodbye to the seniors on the team, some of whom may move on to the NFL. While BYU was considered an underdog in the game, they put up a strong fight, but ultimately lost 40-34 in a double-overtime showdown.
One standout player in the game was defensive end Tyler Batty, who may have played his final game in Cougar blue. Batty has been a consistent and reliable player throughout his four seasons with the team, and his presence will be missed if he decides not to return in 2024. Additionally, cornerback Eddie Heckard had an impressive game, and his performance did not go unnoticed, potentially attracting the attention of NFL scouts and executives.
Despite the disappointing loss, the BYU team displayed tremendous resilience and determination throughout the game, refusing to quit despite the odds against them. However, there will likely be changes on the horizon for the team, particularly on the offensive side. The Cougars are expected to make adjustments following a season where their offense struggled to produce consistently.
While the loss and the end of the season bring a sense of disappointment, there is a glimmer of hope for the future, as the team reflects on lessons learned and prepares for potential changes ahead.