Quarterback Jake Retzlaff, receivers Darius Lassiter and Chase Roberts and running back LJ Martin deservedly received the lion's share of praise for their late heroics in No. 13 BYU's epic 38-35 come-from-behind win over Oklahoma State on Friday night at packed-to-the-gills LaVell Edwards Stadium.
All four made plays that will never be forgotten.
But game balls and postseason kudos should also go to the offensive line, particularly former Oklahoma State player Caleb Etienne.
The transfer — who was pretty much thrown under the bus by OSU coach Mike Gundy when he left Stillwater for Provo before the 2023 season — got a little bit of revenge in front of 62,841 delirious fans.
"Yeah, he was amped up, he was juiced up. Especially us playing juco together, we got a special bond," said Lassiter, who was teammates with Etienne at Butler (Kansas) Community College before Lassiter transferred to Eastern Michigan and Etienne moved on to OSU . "Just to see him get this win over Oklahoma State especially (felt good). We felt like we were supposed to get it last year. I am just so happy for him, for something to work out his way. He found a place here."
Brigham Young Cougars defensive players work to bring down Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Rodney Fields Jr. (20) as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Keelan Marion (17) tries to get into the end zone as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Parker Robertson (8) is attended to by training staff as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Marque Collins (2) defends Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Talyn Shettron (2) as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars safety Tommy Prassas (22) makes an interception as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Alan Bowman (7) dives for the endzone as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (1) reaches out for the ball that is just out of reach as Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Evan Johnson (21) defends as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A Polynesian fire dancer performs between the third and fourth quarters as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A Polynesian fire dancer performs between the third and fourth quarters as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) and Brigham Young Cougars safety Crew Wakley (7) make a tackle on Oklahoma State Cowboys tight end Josh Ford (40) as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Alan Bowman (7) celebrates after the Cowboys scored a touchdown as they and BYU play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Brennan Presley (80) celebrates after scoring a touchdown as they and BYU play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) just gets the ball away ahead of Oklahoma State Cowboys nose tackle Iman Oates (99) hitting him as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) makes a catch with Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Korie Black (2) as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) runs just ahead of Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Korie Black (2) as he gets away for a big gain late in the fourth quarter as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Fans cheer as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars safety Micah Harper (1) defends Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (1) as the ball passes them both as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake yells out instructions as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Jakob Robinson (0) makes the game sealing tackle on Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Rashod Owens (10) giving BYU the win over Oklahoma State in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars safety Ethan Slade (26) celebrates with fans as BYU defeats Oklahoma State in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Darius Lassiter (5) jumps into the end zone giving the Cougars the lead as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) tries to hit Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Rodney Fields Jr. (20) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks toward the official as he scores a rushing touchdown as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Garret Rangel (13) dodges a shoestring tackle attempt by BYU safety Micah Harper (1) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) scores a rushing touchdown as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The BYU Cougars run onto the field ahead of their game against Oklahoma State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU running back Hinckley Ropati (7) is hit by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Parker Robertson (8) during a run up the middle as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Drones spell out "rise and shout" over the south end zone as BYU and Oklahoma State prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU tight end Ryner Swanson (80) is hit by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Parker Robertson (8) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Darius Lassiter (5) spins away from Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Kobe Hylton (0) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) heads for the sideline during a long run as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Rashod Owens (10) jumps over BYU safety Faletau Satuala (10) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) changes direction during a run as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU defensive end Isaiah Bagnah (13) knocks down a pass by Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Garret Rangel (13) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Cam Smith (3) dislodges the ball from BYU wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) throws a pass for a long gain as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) is hit by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Lyrik Rawls (6) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) runs away into the secondary as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake gestures as he talks on a headset as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Students go crazy as the BYU Cougars and head coach Kalani Sitake arrive prior to playing Oklahoma State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake greets fans as he and his team arrive at the stadium as they prepare to play Oklahoma State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU and Oklahoma State to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake waves to the crowd as he and his team arrive prior to playing Oklahoma State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Students take a selfie just before the Cougars arrive at the stadium as BYU and Oklahoma State prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Cosmo walks into the stadium with the Cougars as BYU and Oklahoma State prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake greets fans as he and his team arrive at the stadium as they prepare to play Oklahoma State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The BYU Cougars are set to play against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, waves to the students as he and his team arrive prior to playing Oklahoma State in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy and Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake talk as their teams get warmed up as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU players begin coming onto the field as BYU and Oklahoma State prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU players gather on the field as BYU and Oklahoma State prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU kickers begin warming up as BYU and Oklahoma State prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) warms up prior to BYU and Oklahoma State playing at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU players get warmed up before playing Oklahoma State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU place kicker Will Ferrin (44) kicks a warmup kick as BYU and Oklahoma State prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU students hold signs prior to kickoff as BYU and Oklahoma State prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The BYU Cougars run onto the field ahead of their game against Oklahoma State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks toward the official as he scores a rushing touchdown as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) tries to hit Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Rodney Fields Jr. (20) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Garret Rangel (13) dodges a shoestring tackle attempt by BYU safety Micah Harper (1) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) scores a rushing touchdown as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU running back Hinckley Ropati (7) is hit by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Parker Robertson (8) during a run up the middle as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Drones spell out "rise and shout" over the south end zone as BYU and Oklahoma State prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU tight end Ryner Swanson (80) is hit by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Parker Robertson (8) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Darius Lassiter (5) spins away from Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Kobe Hylton (0) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) heads for the sideline during a long run as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Rashod Owens (10) jumps over BYU safety Faletau Satuala (10) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) changes direction during a run as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU defensive end Isaiah Bagnah (13) knocks down a pass by Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Garret Rangel (13) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Cam Smith (3) dislodges the ball from BYU wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) throws a pass for a long gain as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) is hit by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Lyrik Rawls (6) as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) runs away into the secondary as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake gestures as he talks on a headset as BYU and Oklahoma State play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Etienne and his fellow offensive linemen — Austin Leausa, Weylin Lapuaho, Bruce Mitchell and Brayden Keim — were especially dominant on BYU's game-winning drive, and game-winning play.
They formed a perfect pocket for Retzlaff to deliver the 35-yard touchdown pass to Lassiter that won the game.
Retzlaff was sacked just once.
The fivesome also set the tone on BYU's first drive of the second half, after Oklahoma State kicker Logan Ward missed a 48-yard field goal. The Cougars drove 69 yards in seven plays, all running plays, to knot the score at 21 apiece.
Martin scored from the 8-yard-line, and finished with 120 rushing yards, a career-high.
The Cougars rushed for 255 yards, averaging 7.1 yards per carry.
"You saw when we came back out in the third quarter, the run game was there," Lassiter said. "I didn't want them to throw a single pass that drive, especially with how LJ was running and the O line was blocking."
The big play on the drive was a 26-yard run off a Retzlaff pitch by Hinckley Ropati, the same play the Cougars used to get into game-winning field goal position against SMU. It was perfectly blocked up — again.
"Statement Seven was find a way to win. It was a good team win. I can't sit here and say of all three phases that one was the key. But all three just stuck together and we found a way to get a win," said head coach Kalani Sitake.
The Cougars averaged 7.4 yards per play, which is going to win you a lot of games.
While the defense has carried BYU to most of its first six wins by providing short fields and causing sudden shifts in momentum, the offense carried the freight on this particular night — aside from safety Tanner Wall's 47-yard interception return to the OSU 1.
Sitake said offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick "has done a great job" the past few weeks, and that is mostly undisputed. His only questionable play call Friday night was having Ropati attempt a halfback pass when BYU had a 1st-and-10 at the OSU 25.
Wall bailed the offense out with his pick two plays later.
"The disruption (from cornerback Marque Collins) caused an overthrow there, and I was able to steal that ball and then was trying to get down the sideline. I think I made a couple guys miss," Wall said. "Tyler Batty tried to tackle me into the end zone. I would say dropping a pick is way worse than not scoring, because we will give LJ the rock and let him punch it in."
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) makes a catch with Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Korie Black (2) as BYU and Oklahoma State play in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. BYU won 38-35. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Martin enjoyed big holes on both of his touchdown plunges, thanks to the work of an O line playing the second straight game without starting center Connor Pay. Converted defensive lineman Bruce Mitchell played almost flawlessly in Pay's place.
"Being the offensive coordinator at BYU can be tough sometimes. You can be criticized quite a bit. I know, I played here, saw the things that were said about Roger French, Norm Chow and the entire staff. Hasn't changed," Sitake said of Roderick's work. "It is high expectations from our fans. We understand it. But it doesn't hurt to score 38 points. If we can score 38 points every week, I like our chances.
"A Rod understands what is at stake here. He understands expectations and he is willing to meet them," Sitake continued. "I don't have a problem how he works, the way he organizes it and the way he coaches with his staff. Can't complain about what they were able to do tonight. I thought they were able to do some things — the drive killers were the turnovers and some of the mistakes that we made."
Another hero was Roberts, who caught the 8-yard pass from Retzlaff on 4th-and-7 to keep the game-winning drive alive.
Roberts had a quiet night, by his standards, making three catches for 25 yards. But that last one was one of the biggest of his career.
"We are so close to being really unstoppable on offense," Sitake said.
Of course, there's plenty of room for improvement, especially on defense as the Cougars struggled to get off the field on third down the entire night. Oklahoma State's scoring drives covered 75, 75, 76, 79 and 76 yards. The Pokes punted just once, missed a field goal, and had the two turnovers.
That's usually a formula for a win, but BYU's offense prevailed in the end, and got plenty of thanks from its defense.
"Last year against (Oklahoma State) we were in a position where we were just trying to get bowl eligible. They took that from us. We had a sour taste in our mouth and we wanted this win," said linebacker Isaiah Glasker. "Being able to come out and beat them finally, it is super beneficial."
Offensive lineman Caleb Etienne would certainly agree.
