BYU’s Nacua Breaks Loose For Long TD Run On First Play Against USF

Sep 3, 2022, 4:47 PM | Updated: 4:52 pm

BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua (Courtesy of BYU Photo)

(Courtesy of BYU Photo)

Cougar Sports Saturday Co-Host

TAMPA – BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua got things rolling against the USF Bulls with a 75-yard touchdown run on the Cougars’ first play of the game.

The Bulls hosted the Cougars at Raymond James Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on Saturday, September 3.

With 14:49 remaining in the first quarter, Nacua helped BYU bounce to a quick 7-0 lead thanks to his speed on a jet sweep run following a handoff from quarterback Jaren Hall.

We see you Puka 👀 pic.twitter.com/GCksF4Yxuu

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 3, 2022

Nacua took the ball and sprinted down the near sideline for 75 yards and six points. After an extra point kick, the Cougars took a 7-0 lead only 11 seconds into the contest.

The scoring play was longer than any play run by BYU last season.

PUKA TO THE HOUSE STRAIGHT OUT OF THE GATE❕ pic.twitter.com/wI1DteY3Kh

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) September 3, 2022

Last season, Nacua had 43 catches for 805 yards and six touchdowns. He added 14 carries for 148 yards on the ground.

BYU’s game against USF is broadcast on ESPNU and KSL NewsRadio.

BYU vs. USF

BYU comes into the game as the No. 25 team in the preseason AP Top 25 poll. It’s the first time BYU earned a preseason ranking since 2009.

On the other sideline, USF is looking for its second win against an FBS team this decade. The Bulls are led by third-year head coach Jeff Scott, who has only three games in his first two seasons. But only one of those victories was against an FBS team.

BYU is looking for its third-consecutive year of double-digit victories. The Cougars are led by seventh-year head coach Kalani Sitake, who is a former fullback at the school.

Today marks the third meeting all-time between the two programs. Each has won once in the first two contests, both defending their home turf. The two are scheduled to meet a fourth time in Provo in 2026.