BYU Secures 10th Win but Misses Big 12 Championship Dreams
This past Saturday, the BYU Cougars notched their 10th win of the season, defeating Houston 30-18 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. While the victory was a milestone, marking the team’s 19th season with double-digit wins, it came with mixed emotions. The Cougars were officially eliminated from the Big 12 title race, their hopes dashed earlier in the evening when Iowa State clinched their spot in the championship game with a win over Kansas State.
The game itself was a microcosm of the Cougars’ season—gritty and determined but riddled with errors and missed opportunities. BYU’s defense was the highlight, forcing four turnovers and holding firm in key moments, but the offense faltered at times with three turnovers of their own and struggles in the red zone. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff showcased both resilience and athleticism, contributing two rushing touchdowns and 57 rushing yards, though his passing stats were modest at 167 yards on 8-of-19 attempts.
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The matchup began with some bizarre moments, including a nearly catastrophic reverse handoff and a Houston onside kick attempt that backfired spectacularly. Backup safety Talan Alfrey capitalized, returning the squib kick 58 yards for a touchdown. The Cougars built a solid lead by halftime, thanks to a swift two-minute drill capped by a Retzlaff touchdown run. But the second half brought its share of challenges. Fumbles, missed tackles, and a muffed punt allowed Houston to claw back within six points before BYU’s defense delivered the game-sealing play. Jack Kelly’s strip sack led to a fumble recovery that gave BYU the breathing room they needed.
The game ended on a contentious note, with a skirmish leading to ejections for BYU’s Darius Lassiter and Houston’s A.J. Haulcy. Head coach Kalani Sitake described the night as “weird” and lamented the team’s lapses in discipline and focus. Still, he praised his players’ grit and determination, emphasizing the importance of their hard-fought 10 wins—a feat few expected given their underdog status entering the season.
For BYU, the season is not over. They’ll now turn their attention to an upcoming bowl game, hoping to end the year on a high note. While they fell short of the Big 12 championship game, the Cougars’ resilience and growth throughout the season leave plenty to build on for the future.
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