Oklahoma State backup quarterback Garret Rangel is reportedly set to start against BYU

Oklahoma State has lost three games in a row and is looking for a spark. The spark they are looking for could come from backup quarterback Garret Rangel. Cowboys starter Alan Bowman was benched twice this season: against Utah and West Virginia. After the bye week, it looks like Oklahoma State is officially moving on from Bowman. On Thursday, the O'Colly reported that Garret Rangel will start against BYU and redshirt freshman Zane Flores will be his replacement.

“Well, we train all our guys and give them quality work. I told the coaches we have to make a decision by Thursday after practice,” Gundy told the media on Monday.

Rangel played quite a bit for the Cowboys over three seasons, but his statistical production wasn't great. He has completed 50.9% of his 171 career pass attempts. His career TD/INT ratio is 7:6. He's completing just 45.8% of his passes this season, although his last outing against West Virginia was his best. He completed 4/5 against the Mountaineers for 75 yards and a touchdown.

When Rangel came into the game against Utah replacing Alan Bowman, Rangel was just 3/11 for 31 yards. He was eventually benched and Bowman returned to the game in the fourth quarter.

Rangel will face a tough test on the road at BYU. The Cougars rank first nationally in pass efficiency defense, just ahead of Texas, Washington, Iowa State and Notre Dame. BYU also ranks fifth nationally with 10 interceptions this season. The Cougars have had at least one interception in every game this season.

For the BYU defense, stopping the run will be key in this game. Former Doak Walker Award winner Ollie Gordon is on the roster, he just hasn't been as productive as he was in 2023. Gordon is averaging 3.8 yards per carry this season after averaging 6 a year ago. 1 yards per carry and leads the nation in rushing yards with 1,732.

It's worth noting that Gordon also got off to a slow start in 2023. After the first three games, he had just 109 rushing yards. He then ran for 1,116 points in the next six games. Gordon's breakout game is just around the corner, the Cougars just need to make sure they don't fail.

Oklahoma State is coming off a bye week, so securing the run was certainly their top priority offensively. It's also safe to assume that the Cowboys could add some new wrinkles to the offense to provide some spark.

If BYU can stop the run and force Oklahoma State to move the chains through the air, the Cougars will be well-positioned to win this game.