Is BYU’s Season a Success Even Without a Bowl Berth?

On Saturday, November 18, 2023, BYU coach Kalani Sitake put his hand on the head of defensive coordinator Jay Hill as BYU clashed against Oklahoma at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. Next up, the Cougars face a challenging test at Oklahoma State.

During Thanksgiving holiday week, Kalani Sitake and his team will travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to take on Oklahoma State (8-2, 6-2) on Saturday. BYU, with a record of 5-7 overall and 2-6 in conference play, is seeking its sixth win to secure a spot in a bowl game.

Here are the details for the upcoming game:
BYU (5-7) at Oklahoma State (8-3)
Saturday, 1:30 p.m. MST
Venue: Boone Pickens Stadium
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
TV: ABC
Radio: 102.7 FM/1160 AM

BYU surprised many with their competitive performance in a 31-24 loss to No. 14 Oklahoma last week. Despite initial expectations of a blowout, BYU’s effort did not go unnoticed. The team showcased their determination and resilience, despite losing to an opponent ranked higher in the standings.

Popular Deseret News writer Jay Drew pondered whether BYU’s football season would be deemed successful if the team lost to Oklahoma State and failed to secure a bowl game. He predicted a decisive victory for Oklahoma State, emphasizing the pressure on BYU to salvage their season.

Another writer, Dick Harmon, reflected on his optimistic preseason prediction for BYU, projecting a successful season with seven wins and a bowl game appearance. However, he acknowledged the challenging task ahead for BYU in their upcoming away game at Oklahoma State.

In addition, BYU’s women’s soccer team has advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, while the men’s cross-country team finished third in the national championships. Meanwhile, Mark Pope’s basketball squad has climbed to No. 14 in the KenPom rankings and will face Arizona State and potentially North Carolina or Vanderbilt this week.

The Deseret News readers shared mixed opinions, with some arguing that BYU exceeded expectations, while others expressed frustration over the missed opportunities of the season.

Looking ahead, BYU’s men’s basketball team will face Arizona State in Las Vegas and the women’s soccer team will host North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament. BYU’s football team will head to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State, a critical game to determine the outcome of their season.

As the game approaches, the anticipation builds, and both teams prepare for the high-stakes clash.

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Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.