BYU receiver Puka Nacua scores on a 75-yard touchdown against South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tampa, Fla.
BYU receiver Puka Nacua scores on a 75-yard touchdown against South Florida on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. The BYU playmaker later scored on another touchdown run before leaving the game with an ankle injury. Jason Behnken, Associated Press
Jay Drew
By Jay Drew
Jay has covered sports in Utah for more than 30 years and has been writing for the Deseret News since 2019.

BYU football coach Kalani Sitake was effusive in his praise of the Baylor Bears — who walloped FCS Albany 69-10 in Waco, Texas, last Saturday — but he didn’t have much to say regarding the status of his two best receivers, senior Gunner Romney and junior Puka Nacua on Monday.

Romney didn’t play in the 50-21 win over South Florida, while Nacua left the game in the first half with an apparent ankle injury and didn’t return.

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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

“Yeah, I will probably know a little bit more later today,” Sitake said during his weekly press briefing at noon on Labor Day. “Right now, I can’t count anybody out yet. So, (we will) probably have more for you in the next couple of days. There are some guys who are questionable, but we will see what happens.”

Defensive linemen John Nelson and Gabe Summers also left the game with what appeared to be cramping issues.

Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said on his “Coordinators’ Corner” program that Nacua “seems confident he is going to be OK.”

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As for Romney, who hasn’t practiced much since the first week of fall camp, Roderick said he’s hopeful the big receiver will be available against the Bears. 

“We thought he was close last week (to playing),” Roderick said.

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Nacua caught just one pass, for 22 yards, but still had a huge effect on the game. He took the first play from scrimmage, a jet sweep, 75 yards for a touchdown. He added a 5-yard TD run six minutes later.

“I feel good about our preparation (for USF),” Sitake said. “I think we can feel good about some of the points that we put up, but I am looking at the opportunities that we missed on, and some plays we wish we could get back again.”

He said a lot of players “got valuable reps” in the absence of the star receivers and because the game got lopsided.

“I think that is going to help us out with our depth moving forward,” Sitake said. “I hope it carries over, because we are going against a really, really good team, a ranked team, and so we gotta prepare for it.”

BYU wide receiver Gunner Romney stretches out for a long pass reception during game against South Florida in Provo, Utah.
BYU receiver Gunner Romney stretches out for a long pass reception during game against South Florida at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. Romney’s status for Saturday’s home opener against No. 10 Baylor is in question. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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