In a fiercely contested matchup, the Brigham Young Cougars managed to secure a 30-18 victory over the Houston Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on November 30, 2024. While the game’s errors and turnovers might overshadow the triumph, this win marks a significant milestone as it is BYU’s 10th victory of the season, exceeding the expectations set for the team at the beginning of the year.
Despite an arena filled with 59,213 chilled fans, the game lacked the excitement of past encounters and featured an unusual number of mistakes, including seven turnovers. BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake acknowledged that the game was one of the more forgettable ones during his tenure. However, he celebrated the achievement of reaching 10 wins, a feat accomplished only 19 times in the program’s history.
The team entered the game hoping to maintain momentum after a strong season; initially, they were picked to win only four games. They notably came back from a deficit early in the game, taking control with impressive drives led by quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who showcased his athleticism with two rushing touchdowns and a solid performance despite completing just eight of 19 passes.
Retzlaff’s contributions, alongside a crucial 58-yard touchdown return from backup safety Talan Alfrey, helped solidify the Cougars’ lead. The momentum shifted throughout the game, highlighted by a key defensive play from linebacker Jack Kelly, who forced a fumble that was critical in maintaining BYU’s advantage.
While some players lost their tempers towards the end of the game, resulting in ejections, Sitake expressed pride in his players’ resilience and ability to fight through challenges and distractions. The game may not have gone according to plan, but it serves as a valuable learning experience.
Looking ahead, while they will not compete for the Big 12 championship, BYU has earned a place in a bowl game, allowing them another opportunity to showcase their skills. The overarching sentiment remains optimistic as the team sees potential for growth and improvement in future matchups.
In summary, despite the challenges faced during the game, BYU’s perseverance and emergence from a tough season with ten wins stands as a testament to their determination and abilities, leaving fans hopeful for what lies ahead in the upcoming bowl game.