Lightning Strikes Early As No. 25 BYU Weathers Delay For Big Win Over USF

Sep 3, 2022, 7:52 PM | Updated: Sep 6, 2022, 12:37 pm

KSL Sports

TAMPA, FL – The much-anticipated 2022 season, the final season of the independence era, had to wait just a bit longer to get underway. However, the debut of this BYU Football team didn’t disappoint as the Cougars jumped to an early lead and earned a 50-21 win over USF.

Final from Tampa: No. 25 @BYUfootball 50, USF 21.#ByU #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/pp1e5jjWyA

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 4, 2022

BYU Earns Big Win Over USF

After an over two-and-a-half hour lightning delay, BYU took the field and struck quick with a touchdown on the very first play of the game. WR Puka Nacua took a jet sweep to the house on a 75-yard run and that set the tone for what would be an explosive offensive performance. BYU amassed 575 yards and jumped out to a 38-0 lead before the Bulls could get a score.

The BYU defense also came to play against a QB who gave them trouble last season. Gerry Bohanon led Baylor to a win against the Cougars last year, but a stingy BYU team was too much to handle tonight. Max Tooley had a pick six in the first quarter to add to the early lead.

BULLied. pic.twitter.com/Enfxs7EFla

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) September 4, 2022

USF scored a touchdown just before halftime to end the shutout and get points on the board. The Bulls had success moving the ball and getting points in the second half, but it was too little too late. USF was just 3-12 on third down in the game and mustered just 293 yards.

Nacua, who exited the game early with an apparent ankle injury, had 76 rushing yards and two touchdowns. RB Chris Brooks had 135 yards and a TD in his BYU debut. The Cougars rushed for 314 yards as a team for the game, behind a big and talented offensive line.

#BYU fans, reply with a gif that describes your mood right now with this game. 🤙 #BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/kIDLlS5s90

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 3, 2022

QB Jaren Hall continued his sharp play from 2021 with 261 passing yards and two touchdowns. He completed passes to 12 different players, spreading the ball with ease and precision. Even without starting WR Gunner Romney, the offense had no problem imposing its will against USF.

BYU will have a chance for revenge next week in their home opener. The Cougars will host the Baylor Bears for what will be a matchup of Top 25 teams and future Big 12 conference foes. Baylor defeated BYU 38-24 last season in Waco.

BYU vs USF: First Quarter

What a start from #BYU. First play of the game a jet sweep TD run from Puka Nacua.

Rain delay, no problem. #BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 3, 2022

Well! That’s one way to start a season.#BYUFootball

— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) September 3, 2022

I’ll never say a bad word about the Jet Sweep ever again.

Puka Nacua is a PLAYMAKER. #BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) September 3, 2022

#BYU showing early on how being aggressive is going to be a characteristic of this team. 4th & 2 from own territory, and pick up a first down with RB Chris Brooks.#BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 3, 2022

Forward pass. Incomplete. #BYU avoids a disaster.#BYUvsUSF #BYUfootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 3, 2022

Lopini Katoa doing work for BYU right now.

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 3, 2022

The Jet Sweep is rolling for #BYU.

Puka Nacua TD x 2#BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 3, 2022

Max Tooley pick six and BYU is rolling 🔥

— Dallen Graff (@dallengraff) September 3, 2022

Hope Nacua is alright. That’s the knee he had wrapped in training camp when he was out…

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 3, 2022

#BYU WR Puka Nacua is out of the medical tent. He’s standing on his own, doing some backpeddling while trainers watch him.#BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 3, 2022

It’s Keanu Hill SZN if you’ve been sleeping. Big year ahead for Kebo #BYUFootball #BYUvsUSF

— Dallen Graff (@dallengraff) September 3, 2022

Shut him down! Keep him healthy for Baylor next week. https://t.co/qXn4tC3Bws

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) September 3, 2022

BYU vs USF: Second Quarter

#BYU fortunate Gerry Bohanon overthrew Jimmy Horn Jr. Horn was wide open, Slade was in coverage.#BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 3, 2022

The BYU defense in the first five drives against USF: 3-and-out, pick six, 3-and-out, 3-and-out, punt. Ilaisa Tuiaki’s unit is starting the season off strong.#BYUFootball #BYUvsUSF

— Dallen Graff (@dallengraff) September 3, 2022

First catch of #BYU WR Terence Fall’s career.

Fall had a productive fall camp making some highlight grabs. This is his third year in the program. #BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 3, 2022

Campbell Barrington in at RT for BYU. Looks like he is rotating with Kingsley Suamataia on the offensive line. #BYUFootball #GoCougs

— Dallen Graff (@dallengraff) September 3, 2022

BYU 35, USF 0 with 7:19 remaining in the 2nd quarter.

Not a typo.

Remember, USF was also in the top five with BYU in returning experience entering season.#BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 3, 2022

BYU’s O-line has lived up the hype. They’re balling out right now. #BYUvsUSF #BYU https://t.co/cbq2YsKOAx

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 3, 2022

Jaren Hall found 5 different targets on that last drive (5/6 passing).
Wake – 3 yds
Epps – 10 yds
Cosper – 14 yds
Fall – 19 yds
Holker – 13 yds (TD)#BYU l #BYUFootball l @KSLSports

— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) September 3, 2022

#BYU‘s 28 points in the first quarter is the most in the Kalani Sitake era. Previous high was 21.#BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 4, 2022

Get the backups ready for the second half.

No need to risk injury. #BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) September 4, 2022

Gabe Summers down injured. BYU needs to avoid injuries on the front. #BYUvsUSF #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 4, 2022

Excellent closing speed by Gabe Jeudy-Lally on the open field tackle.

He has elevated the level of play in #BYU‘s secondary with his arrival.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 4, 2022

38-7 halftime lead for BYU#BYUvsUSF #BYU #BYUfootball

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 4, 2022

BYU vs USF: Third Quarter

Jaren Hall in the first half:

16-of-21, 178 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT, 76% completion, 178.8 QBR.#BYUvsUSF #BYU

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 4, 2022

Well that was not how you wanted to start the second half. Horrendous kick coverage & USF scores on a 90-yard return. #BYUvsUSF #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 4, 2022

Good call by @baiamontematt on our pregame show today. Brayden Cosper has been target often for Jaren Hall. #BYUFootball #BYUvsUSF

— Dallen Graff (@dallengraff) September 4, 2022

First career catch for #BYU WR Chase Roberts.

Once an Under Armour All-American, Roberts is fully healthy this year after last season navigating injury when he returned home from a Latter-day Saint mission.#BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 4, 2022

Oh man. INT for Hall. Not a good decision there#BYUvsUSF #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 4, 2022

Safety courtesy of USF’s special teams. First two-pointer given to #BYU since Savannah State in 2014.#BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 4, 2022

Chris Brooks is filling those Tyler Allgeier shoes nicely.

52-yard touchdown for the former Cal transfer.#BYUvsUSF #BYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 4, 2022

Wow Chris Brooks just took off. Serious burst from him on that long run. #BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Dallen Graff (@dallengraff) September 4, 2022

BYU’s secondary not gonna enjoy film review#BYUvsUSF #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 4, 2022

BYU vs USF: Fourth Quarter

Chris Brooks ending this game with hammer-type runs#BYUvsUSF #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 4, 2022

50 points for BYU so far, this offense is showing why the hype was high this offseason. WR room is deep and they’re in good hands with Chris Brooks in the backfield. Jaren Hall is just getting started too 🔥 #BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball #GoCougs

— Dallen Graff (@dallengraff) September 4, 2022

Feels like its time for Jacob Conover.

— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) September 4, 2022

Time to re-evaluate what you’re doing on kick coverage for BYU #BYUvsUSF #BYUfootball #BYU

— Jake Hatch (Yawk) – Slava Ukraini (@JacobCHatch) September 4, 2022

Turnover on downs for USF. With under six minutes left, BYU can end the game on this drive. After a two and a half hour delay, let’s hope they do that 😅#BYUvsUSF #BYUFootball

— Dallen Graff (@dallengraff) September 4, 2022