Season openers have been very kind to BYU over the years and this season was no different as the 25th-ranked Cougars jumped out to a huge lead and didn’t look back as BYU rolled to a 50-21 victory at Raymond James Stadium — home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With the win, the Cougars have now won 14 of its last 16 season openers and improved to 6-1 under Kalani Sitake. The Cougars also hit the half-century mark in the season opener for just the second time under Sitake. The last time that happened was back in 2020 when the Cougars crushed Navy 55-3. Prior to 2020, the last time BYU scored 50+ points in a season opener was against Tulane in 2001 (70 points).

As expected, Jaren Hall was efficient, completing 25 of 32 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns in the win. With Gunner Romney out with an undisclosed injury, Hall still managed to spread the ball around to 12 different receivers. Chase Roberts led the way with three catches for 41 yards while Keanu Hill and Dallin Holker each had touchdown receptions.

Puka Nacua had one catch for 22 yards and also scored on the first play of the game as he took an end around for a 75-yard score. The talented junior ended up getting hurt in the first half and didn’t play the rest of the game as a precaution.

BYU finished the game with 575 yards of total offense, including 314 rushing yards. Cal transfer Christopher Brooks led the way with 13 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown. Lopini Katoa had 10 carries for 55 yards and Jackson McChesney added 3 carriers for 33 yards in the win.

With the victory, the Cougars can now turn their attention to No. 10 Baylor in what should be a Top 20 showdown between both programs in Provo.

Here’s how the media, fans, coaches and players reacted after the win:

BYU Football: Lightning strikes in Tampa as the Cougars win big over South Florida

 

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