BYU running back Chris Brooks runs in for a touchdown during BYU’s season opener against USF.
BYU running back Chris Brooks (2) runs in for a touchdown during BYU’s season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
Dick Harmon
By Dick Harmon
Dick Harmon is a sports columnist for the Deseret News in his fourth decade reporting on college athletics.

BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick toyed with South Florida’s defense during most of the Cougars’ 50-21 win in Tampa on Saturday.

He had the luxury of size, experience, weaponry and quarterback Jaren Hall. He could afford to keep it vanilla, just deploy his smash-nose zone run game with an occasional flip pass to a deep stable of receivers. 

Roderick lived a play caller’s dream of establishing the run and then embarrassing the Bulls’ defense with the pass. Hall found tight end Dallin Holker and receiver Keanu Hill for touchdowns. He completed passes to 12 different receivers as the Cougars amassed 575 total yards to the Bulls’ 293.

Three BYU running backs gained more than 50 yards.

BYU led 38-0 and then tried hard to keep interested.

It was cat nip.

But BYU will have to be better in all phases next Saturday when defending Big 12 champion Baylor comes to Provo.

BYU’s defense gave up just 14 points. The Cougar cover-return team gave up the other TD on a kick return by Jimmy Horn Jr.

Special teams breakdowns, missed assignments on a few USF third-and-long plays, and an occasional loss of focus will all be on the whiteboard Monday when the 1-0 and No. 25 Cougars get to respective position rooms.

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BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) scores on BYU's first play from scrimmage in BYU's season opener against USF, Saturday, September 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU quarterback Jaren Hall (3) high-fives fans after a Cougar victory over USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover,
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BYU linebacker Max Tooley (31) runs an interceptions back for a touchdown in BYU's season opener against USF, Saturday, September 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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Storm clouds hover over Raymond James Stadium in Tampa as lightning causes a delay of BYU's season opener against USF, Saturday, September 3. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU fans wait in the rain during a weather delay before BYU's season opener against USF, Saturday, September 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU fans pose with Cosmo prior to BYU's season opener against USF, Saturday, September 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU quarterback Jaren Hall (3) warms up prior to BYU's season opener against USF, Saturday, September 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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Offensive Coordinator Aaron Roderick encourages running back Lopini Katoa before BYU's season opener against USF, Saturday, September 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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A fan joins an alumni tailgate prior to BYU's season opener against USF, Saturday, September 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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A young fan poses with the BYU cheer squad prior to BYU's season opener against USF, Saturday, September 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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USF running back Jaren Mangham (0) scores a touchdown during BYU's season opener against USF, Saturday, September 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU tight end Dallin Holker (5) scores a touchdown in BYU's season opener against USF, Saturday, September 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU linebacker Max Tooley (31) scores a pick six in BYU's season opener against USF, Saturday, September 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU fans celebrate during first quarter action in BYU's season opener against USF, Saturday, September 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU running back Miles Davis (19) rushes during BYU's season-opening win against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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A young BYU fan celebrates during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU running back Chris Brooks (2) is stopped during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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USF running back Michel Dukes is tripped up during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU running back Chris Brooks (2) runs in for a touchdown during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts (27) runs for extra yardage after a catch against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU players high-five fans after beating USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover,
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BYU quarterback Jaren Hall (3) high-fives fans after a Cougar victory over USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU players high-five fans after beating USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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Fans celebrate BYU's win over USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU players and cheerleaders celebrate a victory over USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU defensive back Kaleb Hayes (18) sings the Cougar fight song after BYU's win against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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Fans begin to celebrate BYU's season-opening win over USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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Fans begin to celebrate BYU's season-opening win over USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU running back Chris Brooks (2) runs 52 yards for a touchdown during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU quarterback Jaren Hall (3) lines up under center during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU running back Chris Brooks (2) evades would-be tacklers during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU quarterback Jaren Hall (3) warms up after an extended weather delay before BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU players and coaches huddle up before BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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The BYU defense swarms a USF ball carrier during BYU's season opener on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU head coach Kalani Sitake encourages players during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU running back Jackson McChesney (21) slips through a tackle during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU running back Chris Brooks (2) rushes 52 yards for a touchdown during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU linebacker Max Tooley (21) tackles USF wide receiver Jimmy Horn, Jr. (5) during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU head coach Kalani Sitake watches from the sideline during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU quarterback Jaren Hall (3) lines up under center during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU quarterback Jaren Hall (3) prepares to take a snap during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU fans celebrate a Cougar first down during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU offensive linemen Harris LaChance (76) and Connor Pay (70) create a hole for running back Lopini Katoa (4) during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU quarterback Jaren Hall (3) makes a play on the ground during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU running back Chris Brooks (2) runs in for a touchdown, while offensive lineman Harris LaChance (76) celebrates, during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU running back Lopini Katoa (4) makes a big gain during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU running back Chris Brooks (2) evades defenders during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU linebacker Max Tooley (31) stops running back Brian Battie (21) during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU quarterback Jaren Hall (3) prepares to take a snap during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU fullback Masen Wake (13) breaks open a big run during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU running back Chris Brooks (2) rushes during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU wide receiver Puca Nacua (12) finds a running lane during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU wide receiver Puca Nacua (12) rushes for a 75-yard touchdown during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU running back Chris Brooks (2) bursts through a hole on his way to the end zone, during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU wide receiver Puca Nacua (12) rushes for a 75-yard touchdown during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU wide receiver Puca Nacua (12) runs past a would-be tackler on BYU's first play from scrimmage against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU quarterback Jaren Hall (3) prepares to take a snap during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU wide receiver Puca Nacua (12) evades a defender on his way to a 75-yard touchdown run against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News
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BYU wide receiver Puca Nacua (12) makes his first cut, en route to a 75-yard touchdown run during BYU's season opener against USF on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. | Robert W. Grover, for the Deseret News

Head coach Kalani Sitake will definitely enjoy his season opener, but he’ll also deploy his “love and learn” philosophy to improve the next few days.

Puka Nacua scored a pair of rushing touchdowns on jet sweeps and Max Tooley registered a pick six to rocket the Cougars to a blowout 28-0 lead in the first quarter.

It was as sweet a start as Sitake could have asked for after a two-hour storm delay. At that time, the Cougars were somber and reflective as the Bulls held a rock concert in their locker room.

The somber team set the tone early, and it was enough.

Related
3 takeaways from No. 25 BYU’s season-opening win over South Florida

BYU’s offensive line dominated USF for half the game, and that was enough for Cal transfer Chris Brooks to find his rhythm. 

In the second half, after Lopini Katoa softened up the USF defensive front, Brooks ripped off a 50-yard touchdown, looking every bit the guy who is expected to pick up the slack for the departed Tyler Allgeier.

That line play set the tone of the game early when Blake Freeland, Masen Wake and Brooks created a perfect crease for Nacua to take the first play of the game to the house. It was a 76-yard racehorse sprint to pay dirt to start the game. 

On BYU’s next possession, Nacua ran the jet sweep to the other side, where Wake and tight end Holker led a blocking wall for another TD run.

Sitake got Brooks and freshmen receivers Kody Epps, Terence Fall and Chase Roberts their first touches. They passed the look test.

He got tight end Isaac Rex on the field from last year’s season-ending injury. The big thing now is how will Rex feel Sunday and Monday after playing a lot of downs?

Then there’s Nacua.

He’s BYU’s Cadillac go-to star.

Related
Highlights, key plays and photos from BYU’s 50-21 season opening win over USF

The Washington transfer put on an electric show in the first quarter before leaving the game with an ankle sprain.

With the other starter Gunner Romney unable to start, the injury to Nacua now looms big as the Cougars head home. Preliminary reports say trainers were being cautious with Nacua, putting him in a protective boot and sending him to the bench in this contest that was over early. 

The status of these guys is a priority checked box item for this team heading into the home game against No. 10-ranked Baylor.

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BYU was supposed to look polished with a nation-leading number of returning starters on the field. Hall came out firing and looked every bit the confident veteran, completing 25 of 32 passes for 261 yards and a pair of TDs. His first pick of the season came on a forced pass into the end zone to Hill when he had Roberts open near the sideline in the end zone.

This was a solid opener road win for BYU with a strange kickoff delay. Predicted and delivered was this victory.

Now the hard stuff comes with Baylor and a trip to a hurting Oregon team that was ranked No. 11 before losing to Georgia on Saturday.

They’re in the weeds now.

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