In its first Big 12 road conference game in program history, the 12th-ranked Utah Utes (4-0) went into Stillwater, Oklahoma, and walked out with an impressive 22-19 victory over No. 14 Oklahoma State (3-1) inside Boone Pickens Stadium.
From the start of the game, the Utes controlled both the lines of scrimmage in a contest that many thought favored Oklahoma State in 100+ degree temperatures.
But little did Big 12 country know that it doesn’t matter what the temperature is under a Kyle Whittingham-coached team as the program is all about toughness and resiliency.
Those were on full display as the Utes were without star quarterback Cam Rising who was a game-time decision. Freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson stepped up once again, marking his second consecutive start. Despite facing some challenges—including two interceptions in the first half—Wilson ultimately outperformed his veteran opponent, Alan Bowman.
Bowman struggled before being pulled at halftime, finishing with 89 yards and one interception on 8-of-22 passing. He returned late in the game, wrapping up his performance with 197 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, including a crucial 9-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Owens with just under two minutes remaining.
Bowman’s replacement, Garret Rangel, didn’t fare much better against a formidable Utah defense, which limited Oklahoma State to just 285 total yards. Rangel completed only 3 of 11 passes for a mere 31 yards, much to the frustration of Cowboys fans who expressed their displeasure with boos throughout the game.
On the other side, Wilson finished with 207 yards on 17-of-29 passing, despite his pair of interceptions. He connected with Brant Kuithe for a critical 45-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. The Utes’ scoring started with an 11-play, 64-yard drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from Kuithe, who briefly exited the game in the first quarter but returned to make an impact.
Utah secured their lead with two second-half field goals from Cole Becker—one from 38 yards and another from 44 yards—extending their advantage as Oklahoma State struggled offensively.
A standout for the Utes was senior running back Micah Bernard, who racked up a career-high 182 rushing yards, averaging an impressive 7.3 yards per carry. Bernard’s performance included a stunning 61-yard run where he evaded multiple defenders, showcasing his ability as the team’s primary ball carrier.
With the victory, Utah improved to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in Big 12 play while Oklahoma State dropped to 3-1 on the season and 0-1 in Big 12 play.
Next up for Utah is a showdown against former Pac-12 foe Arizona at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Oklahoma State will look to regroup as they go on the road to face No. 13 Kansas State.
BYU vs. No. 13 Kansas State: Preview, Prediction And Betting Lines
