After waiting for Cougar football throughout a long offseason, BYU fans had to wait a little longer due to a weather delay.

Just as both the Cougars and Bulls were set to run out onto the field, lightning struck near Raymond James Stadium. The season opener had to be delayed for 2.5 hours as the teams waited patiently in their locker rooms. 

First Quarter

The wait did not put a delay into a fast start from BYU, however, as Puka Nacua scored a 75-yard rushing touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. 

That first play was a good indicator of how the first quarter would play out. The Cougars would head into the second quarter leading 28-0 behind another Puka Nacua score, a Max Tooley pick-six, and a 21-yard touchdown pass from Jaren Hall to Keanu Hill. 

Second Quarter

More of the same would come in the second quarter as Jaren Hall found Dallin Holker for a 13-yard touchdown reception at the 7:19 mark. The next BYU possession would result in a 39-yard field goal from Jake Oldroyd, making the score 38-0.

The Bulls would finally get on the board at the end of the first half via a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Jaren Mangham with only 14 seconds remaining. 

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Third Quarter 

South Florida would end up winning the third quarter by scoring two touchdowns, including a kickoff return from Jimmy Horn Jr. on the opening play of the second half.

BYU would add a touchdown of their own in the third, an explosive 52-yard rush from Chris Brooks with just over five minutes to go. The Cougars would also add two more points via a safety as a snap went over the head of the South Florida punter and out of the back of the end zone.

Fourth Quarter

Much of the final quarter was Cougar rushes that chewed the clock. BYU would add a field goal to make the final score 50-21, picking up the big victory on the road to start off the 2022 campaign.

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Final Thoughts

Even though they were favored to win the game, this felt like a statement from BYU in the fashion they were able to pull off the victory. 

Although the Cougars won by a margin of 29 points, the team did not have a perfect outing and still has some things to improve upon. Special teams specifically did not have a strong showing in the kickoff coverage department; giving up far too many yards and a touchdown. The defense played well through most of the first half but seemed to lose the passion that was initially there after going up 38-0. The offense played strong throughout the night with the only blemish being an interception thrown by Jaren Hall in the red zone during the third quarter.

What’s Next?

BYU takes on No. 10 Baylor on Saturday, September 10 in Provo. The game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. MT and can be seen on ESPN.

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