Turnovers Doom BYU in Loss to No. 14 Oklahoma

On Saturday morning, BYU hosted no. 14 Oklahoma on Senior Day. The Cougars upset campaign fell short in a 31-24 loss. Turnover margin has been the story of the season for BYU and this game was no exception.

The Cougars turned the ball over three times and the Sooners scored 21 points off of those turnovers. In the first half, BYU had all the momentum after a long punt return from Parker Kingston put BYU in scoring position. On the first play of the drive, BYU fumbled the exchange and gave the ball back to the Sooners.

No turnover was more costly than Jake Retzlaff's pick-six. The game was tied at 17 and the Cougars were knocking on the door of another score. It was first and goal from the Oklahoma two yard-line and the Cougars had a chance to take over the game. BYU ran an RPO, Retzlaff threw to the quick hitch, and Oklahoma stepped in front of it and took it back to the house. That was the difference in the game.

BYU bounced back from the Retzlaff pick-six in the third quarter, going on a long scoring drive to tie the game at 24. In the fourth quarter, BYU had the ball and the chance to take the lead when an Oklahoma linebacker came off the edge and strip sacked Jake Retzlaff. The Sooners took advantage of the fumble and scored a few plays later. Seemingly every time BYU had a chance to take a lead, a turnover not only stalled momentum but allowed Oklahoma to take a lead.

The Cougars never recovered and went on to lose 31-24. In five wins, BYU is +12 in turnover margin. In six losses, BYU is now -11 in turnover margin.

The Cougars will be playing for bowl eligibility in the regular season finale against Oklahoma State.

Facebook - @CougsDaily

Twitter - @Cougs_Daily and Casey Lundquist at @casey_lundquist

Instagram - @cougs_daily