More on the ill-advised play call and pass that cost BYU a chance to upset No. 14 Oklahoma

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More on the ill-advised play call and pass that cost BYU a chance to upset No. 14 Oklahoma

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) gets off the pass ahead of a hit by Oklahoma Sooners defensive linemen Jacob Lacey (54) and Trace Ford (30) as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Jay Drew · Deseret News

Sun, Nov 19, 2023 ·

12 min read

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The football never should have been thrown.

That was BYU football coach Kalani Sitake's defense of the inexplicable play call that led to Oklahoma defender Billy Bowman's 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in the Sooners' 31-24 win over the Cougars Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

"That was an RPO (run-pass option) call," Sitake said. "Run it first. Usually you throw the ball (only) if you have the numbers there."

BYU clearly didn't have the numbers there.

Bowman, a junior defensive back, stepped in front of Jake Retzlaff's quick pass, which was intended for Kody Epps, and ran 100 yards to the other end zone, untouched until a hustling Retzlaff tripped him up near the goal line.

So instead of BYU taking a 24-17 lead, the No. 14 Sooners had the 24-17 lead, and went on from there to survive a major scare as 24-point favorites as they picked up their ninth win.

"Credit to their guy. They made a play, and we made a mistake, a costly one," Sitake said. "You are about to go up by seven, instead you go down by seven. So there is a 14-point swing, which was horrible to go through."

To his credit, Retzlaff led the Cougars on an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive the next time he touched the ball to tie it up at 24-24. But the damage was done. It was one of Retzlaff's three turnovers; the other two were fumbles.

"You cannot be careless with the football, whether it is fumbles or interceptions, and expect to beat teams," Sitake said. "We lost the turnover margin and that is what it comes down to. They were really costly."

None more than the goal-line interception — perhaps all season.

Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) celebrates after a touchdown as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) makes the catch for a touchdown on Nov. 18, 2023. — Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) makes the catch for a touchdown with Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Kani Walker (26) and linebacker Dasan McCullough (1) hanging on as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars Chika Ebunoha (15) hits Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Gavin Freeman (82) immediately during punt coverage as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (82) celebrates after a long kick return as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars defensive end Tyler Batty (92) encourages the fans as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars safety Crew Wakley (38) brings down Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jalil Farooq (3) as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU cornerback Jakob Robinson (0) celebrates after a defensive stop during game against at LaVell Edwards Stadium. — Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Jakob Robinson (0) celebrates after a defensive stop on Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Nic Anderson (4) as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) pushes Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Jaren Kanak (7) away during a run as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (82) avoids Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Phil Picciotti (50) on a kick return as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

The Oklahoma Sooners take the field as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) passes the ball as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jayden Gibson (1) makes a catch for a long gain over Brigham Young Cougars safety Crew Wakley (38) as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jayden Gibson (1) and quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) celebrate after a touchdown as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Jakob Robinson (0) tries to defend Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Nic Anderson (4) as Anderson makes a catch for a touchdown as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) pitches the ball out to running back Aidan Robbins (3) as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Kody Epps (0) brings in a pass as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) gives the play to the offense as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Eddie Heckard (5) hits Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Drake Stoops (12) as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars place kicker Will Ferrin (44) celebrates hitting a 49-yard field goal with teammates as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU fans watch as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) gets off the pass against Oklahoma on Nov. 18, 2023. — Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) gets off the pass ahead of a hit by Oklahoma Sooners defensive linemen Jacob Lacey (54) and Trace Ford (30) as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU running back Aidan Robbins breaks away for a long run against Oklahoma at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Nov. 18, 2023. — Brigham Young Cougars running back Aidan Robbins (3) breaks away for a long run ahead of Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kobie McKinzie (11) as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back Deion Smith (20) hits the corner as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake talks with an official as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. OU won 31-24. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) scores a touchdown as he is hit by Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and defensive back Woodi Washington (5) as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU coach Kalani Sitake watches from the sideline as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards stadium in Provo, Nov. 18, 2023. — Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake watches from the sideline as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. OU won 31-24. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A performer dances as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. OU won 31-24. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables yells at a referee as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. OU won 31-24. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Kamden Garrett (7) tries to bring down Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jalil Farooq (3) as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake puts his hand on associate head coach and defensive coordinator Jay Hill on Nov. 18, 2023. — Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake puts his hand on associate head coach and defensive coordinator Jay Hill as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. OU won 31-24. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Rondell Bothroyd (80) comes up with a fumble as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) launches a pass downfield as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jayden Gibson (1) gets one foot down as he makes a catch for a touchdown as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Drake Stoops (12) dives as he tries but fails to make a catch as BYU and Oklahoma play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

What had happened before that made it even more abhorrent.

With the game knotted at 17-17, the Cougars took over at their 40 and ran the ball three straight times for 58 yards. Oklahoma's defense looked gassed and BYU's offensive line looked as good as it has all season.

Then came the pass, on first-and-goal from the 2.

Was Aidan Robbins surprised that he didn't get the ball again, after having picked up 25 and 21 yards on the drive?

"A little bit," said the UNLV transfer, picking his words carefully. "But you know, I mean, it is what it is. It happened, and you can't do anything to change that."

Robbins ran for a season-high 182 yards on 22 carries, part of BYU's 217 yards on the ground. But it was a pass that this game will be remembered for.

"It stings a little bit, especially when you drive all the way down and you get to the 2-yard line, whatever," Robbins said. "That is football. It is all about (handling) adversity and it is life lessons, man. When adversity hits you in the face, how are you going to respond?"

The Cougars did respond, but their rushing attack went away on their final two possessions.

Epps, who was the target of Retzlaff's ill-advised pass, said the Sooners' defense was scrambling and a bit out of sorts before the snap, and he was open for a split second before Bowman made the big play.

"It can be a little frustrating, but at the same time you gotta move past it," Epps said.

That explanation didn't impress Sitake.

"I am not going to sugarcoat it. Don't make that throw. Hand the ball off to the running back," Sitake said. "That is a simple play. Maybe it would be easier to take the pass option away from quarterbacks, but I think that this is a tough lesson for Jake to learn. … You can't take those risks, especially against a really good team."

What do offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick and Sitake do next in regards to the quarterback situation?

That's the big question as BYU (5-6) heads into the final game of the regular season.

After the game, Sitake reiterated what he said last Monday — that Kedon Slovis will get the ball if he's 100% healthy. Asked whether Retzlaff's turnover troubles the past two games after he didn't have any giveaways in the 37-7 loss at West Virginia will play into that decision, Sitake nodded in the affirmative.

"I have seen too many times where quarterbacks have been careless with the football. And not just quarterbacks — other players," he said. "If you don't show that you can take care of the football (you won't play). It is a big part of us. We have had some players that have shown bad ball security, and they just don't get back on the field again until I see it.

"I don't want to throw guys under the bus, but I don't know how else to tell you guys. I want to be honest and transparent. But that's a really tough lesson to learn when you go through this and we had an opportunity to win this game and get the fans storming the field and stuff like that. And it didn't work out because one way or another we didn't take care of the football enough."

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