BYU Football: 3 takeaways from neutral-turf win over Arizona

1. Neil Pau’u set to be the next great BYU receiver

Stepping up as the starting quarterback and stepping into Zach Wilson’s shoes, Jaren Hall had a rather pedestrian inaugural start for BYU football. Hall finished the game with 18 completions on 28 attempts, throwing for 198 yards and two touchdowns in the process. The quarterback added 36 yards on five carries, making sound decisions and managing the game well.

What stood out most in the passing game, though, was not Hall’s arm but his key target on the other side of his throws. Hall completed pass attempts to seven different receivers, but his favorite receiver proved wideout Neil Pau’u.

After a season where he caught 45 passes for 600 yards and four scores, Pau’u showed on Saturday that he is ready to take charge in the passing game as the primary target. Hauling in eight passes, Pau’u finished with 126 receiving yards and a pair of touchdown catches. In the process, Pau’u showed formidable prowess running routes and snagging balls.

Moving into the heart of a BYU schedule that includes seven Power Five opponents in 2021, Pau’u will need to continue asserting himself in the passing game.

If Pau’u continues to make his argument as the next great Cougars receiver, we could see a few more BYU upsets over Power Five opponents.