BYU linebacker Max Tooley (31) scores a decide six in BYU’s season opener towards USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret Information
BYU’s begin to its 2022 season might have been delayed — the group’s opener at South Florida kicked off two and a half hours later than anticipated because of lightning within the space — however the Cougars didn’t let that trouble them.
Listed here are three takeaways from the 50-21 win on Saturday:
Quick begin sparks the Cougars’ offense
BYU had its manner offensively throughout the first half, scoring on 5 of its first six possessions, together with 4 touchdowns.
That set the tone for the sport, as junior quarterback Jaren Corridor seemed the a part of a seasoned offensive chief — he accomplished 25 of 32 passes for 261 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
BYU’s offense actually bought churning on the bottom, because the Cougars put up 314 dashing yards — with Chris Brooks (135 yards, one landing), Lopini Katoa (55) and Puka Nacua (76) main the way in which.
Even with Gunner Romney lacking the sport and Nacua leaving within the first quarter with an damage, the Cougars have been in a position to unfold the ball within the passing sport, as 12 totally different gamers caught passes.
BYU completed with 575 yards of whole offense, together with 337 within the first half.
Protection delivers massive in first earlier than softening within the second
Whereas the BYU offense was busy placing up touchdowns to start out the sport, the Cougar protection was shutting down the South Florida assault within the first half.
BYU prevented the Bulls from getting into Cougar territory on their first six drives, and by then BYU was already up 38-0. Of these six drives, three have been three-and-outs, and linebacker Max Tooley turned an interception right into a 33-yard decide six on one other.
The Cougars had given up simply 89 yards of whole offense late into the primary half earlier than a 50-yard move on a third-down play led to South Florida’s first rating simply earlier than the break.
The Cougar protection and particular groups gave up extra massive performs within the second half, together with a kickoff return to start out the third, and South Florida bought some issues going as the sport wore on.
Regardless of the second-half struggles, although, the Bulls by no means bought nearer than 24 factors within the second half. The Cougars additionally held South Florida to changing simply 3 of 12 third downs.
What’s taking place with the BYU extensive receivers?
The large query for BYU popping out of the victory is what’s the longer term maintain for the Cougar extensive receiving group.
Questions on well being encompass their prime two extensive receivers — Nacua and Romney — so it’s truthful to surprise what's going to occur with the group with ranked opponents Baylor and Oregon on the schedule the subsequent two weeks.
Kody Epps, Chase Roberts and Brayden Cosper — guys on the 2 deep — had receptions, whereas Keanu Hill caught a landing, and gave the Cougars a take a look at who’s obtainable past Nacua and Romney.
Tight ends Dallin Holker and Isaac Rex additionally made some performs, so at the least for now, there’s optimism the Cougars can thrive with who’s obtainable.