BYU WR Puka Nacua Records Hat Trick Against Razorbacks

PROVO, Utah – BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua reached the end zone for the third time during the Cougars’ game against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

The Cougars hosted the Razorbacks at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, October 15.

With 5:11 remaining in the third quarter, BYU quarterback Jaren Hall dropped a dime to Nacua, who took the ball across the goal line for 33 yards and six points. It was Nacua’s third touchdown of the game and his first receiving score.

Nacua’s snag cut Arkansas’ lead to 38-35.

Puka Nacua so far tonight:

💨 5 carries, 21 yards, 2 TDs
🙌 6 receptions, 121 yards, 1 TD#CollegeFootball | @BYUfootball

pic.twitter.com/5wJkBRwrTf

— College Football Network (@CFN365) October 15, 2022

The score capped a 10-play, 75-yard drive that took 4:09.

After the hat trick touchdown, Nacua had six receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown. He also had five carries for 18 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Hall was 20/31 passing for 309 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception.

The junior receiver entered the game with four catches for 48 yards and five carries for 100 yards and two touchdowns this season. After the hat trick touchdown, Nacua had six receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown. He also had five carries for 18 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

ANOTHER ONE🫡 pic.twitter.com/wl5tBCIxWC

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 15, 2022

Hall entered the game having thrown for 1,558 yards, 14 touchdowns, and two interceptions this season.

BYU’s game against Arkansas is broadcast on ESPN and KSL NewsRadio.

Arkansas vs. BYU

It’s the first time these two programs have squared off against one another. BYU will make the return visit to Fayetteville in 2023 as a member of the Big 12 Conference.

Both teams want to start the second half of their seasons with a much-needed win. Arkansas has lost its last three games, while BYU is coming off a setback against Notre Dame that felt like a missed opportunity.

BYU is 4-2 overall and receiving votes in both major polls. Arkansas is 3-3, and their three setbacks have come against Texas A&M in Arlington, No. 3 Alabama, and Mississippi State.

BYU/Arkansas is a matchup that features a pair of talented quarterbacks Jaren Hall for BYU and KJ Jefferson from Arkansas. Both signal-callers were banged up last week. Jefferson was dealing with a head injury while Hall navigated what appeared to be a shoulder injury.

Hall and Jefferson each practiced this week.

Game Notes

• Today marks only the third time in BYU’s history that the Cougars are hosting an SEC team in Provo. The previous two meetings were against Mississippi State in 2000 and 2016.
• BYU is 7-7 all-time against teams in the SEC currently.
• Arkansas ranks 11th in rushing offense, BYU is 100th in rush defense
• BYU’s passing offense is 43rd in the nation; the Arkansas pass defense is 127th nationally, allowing 307.2 yards per game through the air.
• A sell-out crowd is expected at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
• BYU has won their last three games as a home underdog.

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