Puka Nacua, BYU Beat Boise State To Snap Losing Streak

BOISE, Idaho – Puka Nacua and the BYU Cougars beat the Boise State Broncos on the blue turf to snap a four-game losing streak and improve to .500 on the season.

The Broncos hosted the Cougars at Albertsons Stadium on Saturday, November 5.

BYU defeated Boise State, 31-28.

#BYU takes down Boise State on the Blue, 31-28 pic.twitter.com/uS400vHugg

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022

Nacua had a career night with 14 receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Cougars.

Pregame

BYU vs Boise State has become one of the best annual matchups in college football out west. The final chapter takes place tonight on ‘The Blue.’

BYU will be going to the Big 12 Conference beginning in 2023. With that move, BYU and Boise State won’t play anytime soon. So even though BYU comes into this matchup on a four-game losing streak, it’s always a big game when these two square off.

“This is a rivalry game, and we don’t know what the future holds for it. I have a lot of respect for their coaching staff and their team,” BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. “They have an identity on offense. Andy [Avalos] has done a great job with the defense. They’re one of the top defenses in the country. This is not an easy game. I know a lot of the players on that roster. I have tons of respect for their fan base and the energy they provide for their team. It’s a unique and fun atmosphere.”

Boise State is headed in a completely different direction than BYU. The Broncos are on a four-game winning streak since firing offensive coordinator Tim Plough.

BYU trails the all-time series against Boise State, 4-8. The series began in 2003 and then became an annual matchup in 2012, one year after BYU became an FBS Independent.

Jaren Hall getting ready for his first career start on The Blue.#BYU #BYUFootball @kslsports pic.twitter.com/jY1B3S2s8x

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

Some notable young #BYU guys going through phase one of warmups here at Boise State:

– Bodie Schoonover
– Micah Wilson
– Logan Pili
– Dean Jones
– Anthony Olsen
– Parker Kingston#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

Puka Nacua is always a vibe 👍 #BYU #BYUFootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/PNdtvSYPIn

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 5, 2022

#BYU’s Ilaisa Tuiaki and Nu’u Tafisi talking to Boise assistant Frank Maile before the game. #BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/r7NqxCqgFp

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

The hits keep coming to #BYU's starting lineup. Starting RT Kingsley Suamataia is out today against Boise State.#BYUFootball @kslsports https://t.co/X8oLdNbPm1

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

locked in. pic.twitter.com/WF4opakUgG

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 5, 2022

#BYU DB D’Angelo Mandell was going through pregame warmups. He missed last week against ECU.#BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/G12rYF9FCp

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

Nick Billoups appears to be the third string QB for #BYU now that Cade Fennegan is out with an ankle injury. #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

CLEAN LOOK 🥶 ⚪️ 🤙 #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #BYUvsBSU @Mitch_Harperhttps://t.co/jTyTtsPWis

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 5, 2022

White face masks for #BYU. ❄️ 🥶 #BYUFootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/9zgFyp8epm

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 5, 2022

let's get it. pic.twitter.com/XEQSdHyaoI

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 5, 2022

together🤞 pic.twitter.com/e6PmP0ax3L

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 5, 2022

🤜🤛 pic.twitter.com/0xS7mQdgJm

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 5, 2022

'BOUT TIME 😤 pic.twitter.com/NEErpQgUi5

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 5, 2022

Them Y boys Got it in the bag 💰 https://t.co/gxPOBs0T5D

— Jamaal Williams (@jswaggdaddy) November 5, 2022

Flag bearers today:
Alumni:
Matt Hadley (RB/LB 2012, 15-18)
Spencer Nead (TE, 2001-02)

USA: Morgan Pyper LB
State: Austin Riggs LS#BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) November 5, 2022

Loud boos from the Boise faithful as #BYU runs onto the field here at Albertsons Stadium.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

Utah Governor @SpencerJCox and Idaho Governor @GovernorLittle took part in the coin toss for #BYU vs. Boise State.#BYUFootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/beiatm9oP9

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 5, 2022

 

First Quarter

Harris LaChance starting at right tackle in replace of Kingsley Suamataia.

L to R: Blake Freeland, Clark Barrington, Connor Pay, Joe Tukuafu, and LaChance.#BYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

Isaac Rex over the middle! What a beautiful sight to see.

Great first drive for #BYU 🏈

Moving the ball well. #BYUFootball

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 5, 2022

A perfect start for @jarenhall3 & Co. 💯#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #BYUvsBSU @Mitch_Harper https://t.co/InUDwkKWY1

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 5, 2022

RUSHING TUDDY🔥 pic.twitter.com/14iSOpvjol

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 5, 2022

Jaren Hall and the #BYU put together a 12-play opening TD drive. 👀 #BYUFootball #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/OoM8oFbjrg

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 5, 2022

My first successful CSS bold prediction of the year with that Jaren Hall TD run! #BYUFootball #BYU

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 5, 2022

7th rushing TD of Jaren Hall's career. First this season. Had 3 in 2021 and 3 in 2019. #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) November 5, 2022

BYU's 12-play, 75-yard scoring drive was one play short of its season-long 13 play scoring drive vs. Baylor #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) November 5, 2022

Outstanding drive from #BYU's offense to find early success against Boise's defense. Jaren Hall is so talented on the ground.

With the season on the line, it's critical to utilize his ability to run.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

What an awesome first drive!

Play calling was well balanced.

Jaren Hall running the 🏈 changes this offense. #BYU #BYUFootball

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 5, 2022

LET EM KNOW @jarenhall3!!!! pic.twitter.com/nxPi6in1E5

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 5, 2022

A clear passing down and #BYU's defense brings a blitz. The pressure works.

BYU forces a three-and-out.

What a start.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

The challenges of not having a kicker you trust. #BYU goes for it on 4th & 1 from the Boise 33-yard line.

Handoff to Lopini Katoa up the middle is stuffed by the Boise D.

BYU's 4th down issues continue.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

4th and one on the ground…stop running the ball #BYU 🏈

These are momentum shifting calls that the Cougars haven’t been able to complete all season.

Ball needs to be in the air 4th and one.

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 5, 2022

Welcome Governor @SpencerJCox 🤙

We appreciate your support!! 💙 pic.twitter.com/oXmdDZ8BY6

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 5, 2022

If you are going to run on 4th and one…how about the play you scored a TD with? Power run for Hall with 10 guys blocking. #BYU #BYUFootball

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 5, 2022

Excellent effort play from Lorenzo Fauatea to get the TFL. When healthy, Zo has done a nice job this season. He's navigated a lot of injuries during his #BYU career.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

Boise State QB Taylen Green and Latrell Caples connected three times on that scoring drive for the Broncos.

How does #BYU respond?

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

End of the 1st Quarter@BYUfootball – 7@BroncoSportsFB – 7#BYU #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/OEO2f1jEKE

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 5, 2022

Second Quarter

Jaren Hall throws an INT to JL Skinner. Uncharacteristic mistake from Hall.

Turnovers are always a thing in #BYU/Boise games over the past decade.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

#BYU is 1/3 in scoring position so far.

Not good.

If you’re near the 30 yard line on the opponents side of the field, you’d like to see that turn into at least 3 points.

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 5, 2022

#BYU defense gets a three-and-out. Boise fans wanted a PI called on Hayes, instead it ends up as a PBU. The 18th of his career.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 5, 2022

Tonight has been the best performance of Hinckley Folau Ropati's career at #BYU. Long wait for him to emerge since the 2020 fall camp where he began making a name for himself before suffering an injury.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

#BYU started the drive on their own 4 yard line before stalling in Boise territory. Ryan Rehkow then pins BSU on their own 4.

Feels like a perfect spot for #BYU's defense to force a takeaway.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

#BYU defense comes up big again. Gabe "Gumby" Summers who is playing through a partial PCL tear gets the TFL.

Kalani's influence on the defense is showing.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

Tough break. Pass from Jaren Hall to Isaac Rex goes off his hands, and into the hands of Boise State DB Rodney Robinson.

Another missed opportunity for the #BYU offense. #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

Tonight is Jaren Hall's first two-INT game since USC last season. It's only the third multi-interception game in his #BYU career.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

KEENAN PILI!!!!

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 6, 2022

Keenan Pili with a forced fumble and Tyler Batty recovers.#BYU offense gets another chance.

We're in a defensive battle. Who would have thought?

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

Absolutely massive play by the #BYU defense to force a fumble!

The defensive line has been impressive tonight. #BYUFootball

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 6, 2022

Horrific officiating to the end the half. My goodness.

That’s an obvious touchdown. Ball was on the goal line. #BYUFootball #BYU

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 6, 2022

I’m shook. That was clearly a TD.

Just absolute garbage officiating on that final drive.

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 6, 2022

No additional camera angles, appears to have cost #BYU.

Ruling on the field for Lopini Katoa's run "Stands"#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

Third Quarter

#BYU trails for the first time in this game. Boise State opens the third quarter with a touchdown pass.@BroncoSportsFB – 14@BYUfootball – 7 pic.twitter.com/MqfJbwYJfl

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022

48-yard run by Jaren Hall. Huge play from #BYU's QB1.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

48-yard run for Jaren Hall is a season long #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) November 6, 2022

BIG RUN @jarenhall3!! pic.twitter.com/eFMCzfbDHu

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 6, 2022

The false start by #BYU on 4th & Goal probably ended up being a good thing. Cougs then settle for a 25-yard field goal and get points on the board.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

It’s good🙌 pic.twitter.com/NaZyDID53O

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 6, 2022

That false start might be a blessing in disguise.

They get points, which was sorely needed after what happened to finish the first half. #BYUFootball #BYU

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 6, 2022

BYU 10 – BSU 14 | 6:26 3Q#BYUFOOTBALL @Ocavu_Official pic.twitter.com/G9paCjsnY2

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 6, 2022

Puka Nacua's route running is so good.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

.@jarenhall3 ➡️ @AsapPuka for 6️⃣#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #BYUvsBSU @Mitch_Harper https://t.co/z9SBvx6tEV

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022

12 TO THE ENDZONE!! pic.twitter.com/JMi2ZvHyX1

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 6, 2022

4th receiving TD of the season for Puka Nacua. Jaren Hall's 22nd TD pass of the year, 43rd of his career.

43 TD passes ties Taysom Hill for No. 15 at BYU. #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) November 6, 2022

Puka Nacua is HIM

Touchdown BYU! pic.twitter.com/Vou6qNtYm7

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022

Incredible throw from Jaren Hall and an excellent grab from Puka Nacua. Find a way to get Nacua as many touches as possible, that guy won't be denied.#BYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

Jaren Hall with a strike to Puka Nacua.

🎥: @CFBONFOX
pic.twitter.com/OiEusvRyli

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022

Fourth Quarter

Boise State fans experiencing what #BYU dealt with at the end of the second quarter. Call on the field stands.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

Only difference, Boise gets another shot, Holani punches it in.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

Puka Nacua has 11 receptions for 116 yards tonight, his third 100-yard game in the last four.

11 receptions is a career high#BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) November 6, 2022

No. ☝️ for @hfropati7 💨#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #BYUvsBSU @Mitch_Harper https://t.co/PL45FVrdMZ

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022

HINCKLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 6, 2022

Hinckley Ropati having himself a game. What a play.

Folau coming up clutch.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

Hinckley Ropati with a 48-yard touchdown catch and run.

His longest career reception and first career TD at BYU#BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) November 6, 2022

48 YARD TOUCHDOWN @hfropati7!!! pic.twitter.com/tc2QvXqw85

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 6, 2022

Who was that on the TD catch? Hinckley Ropati, that’s who.#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/iy442ls05N

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022

Jaren Hall with 307 passing yards. His 4th 300-yard game this year and 8th of his career. #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) November 6, 2022

FIRST CAREER TOUCHDOWN 🤙@hfropati7 pic.twitter.com/X7XjOyEP4w

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 6, 2022

. @hfropati7 going all the way😤 pic.twitter.com/yR3ABbjW1N

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 6, 2022

Hinckley Ropati has really impressed tonight! #BYU needed someone to help Katoa in the backfield tonight, and Ropati has answered.

He’s breaking tackles, which is great to see.

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 6, 2022

Well, that was quick. Boise State answers #BYU's touchdown with a quick touchdown drive that started from the 35 after a kickoff that went out of bounds.

Back-and-forth we go.#BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

Always find a way to get Puka Nacua the ball. That's a good plan.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

#BYU approaching 400 passing yards against the nation's No. 1 passing defense.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

4th & Goal (on the Boise 6). What would you dial up?

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

PUKA. NACUA. 🤯 #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #BYUvsBSU @Mitch_Harper https://t.co/Sjh4KsQonl

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022

Puka Nacua is making the case for best receiver in #BYU football history.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

PUKA. NACUA.🤯 pic.twitter.com/w44KW1kIPa

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 6, 2022

Puka Nacua! That’s the tweet. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/EjEuhkFIBD

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022

Jaren Hall's 377 passing yards are a career high. Previous career high was 356 against Arkansas this year. #BYUFootball

— BYU Game Notes (@BYUGameNotes) November 6, 2022

#BYU leads Boise State 31-28 with 1:46 remaining.#BYUFootball #GoCougs

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022

Up to the defense now. Can they make one play? #BYUFootball #BYU

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 6, 2022

Puka’s TD grab on 4th down!

🎥: @CFBONFOX
pic.twitter.com/YZvPf5I97G

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022

What. A. Catch. pic.twitter.com/jaXzVPi3pC

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 6, 2022

Oh man, near INT by Pepe Tanuvasa

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

HIM. pic.twitter.com/gAx5NaOcm7

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 6, 2022

#BYU's defense holds!

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022

The embattled #BYU defense has their breakthrough moment. Victory formation for #BYU.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2022

pic.twitter.com/H5ByjZeHxD

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 6, 2022

Game Day Notes

• The weather at kickoff here in Boise is calling for 46 degrees and mostly cloudy. With a 1% chance of rain. The low will dip to 42 degrees.
• BYU has never played a game on FS2. Here’s how you can watch today’s game.
• BYU running back Chris Brooks is “doubtful” to play.
• Boise State is 5-1 against BYU on The Blue turf. BYU won the last meeting in Boise in 2020.
• Boise State is holding a food drive to benefit the Boise State Food Pantry on campus.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch and his BYU/Boise State coverage from Idaho on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.

Follow @Mitch_Harper