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In a dramatic top-10 clash at LaVell Edwards Stadium, No. 8 BYU emerged victorious over No. 2 Notre Dame with a 28-24 win. The game's final play sparked debate, as contact between BYU defensive back Evan Johnson and Notre Dame receiver Jaden Greathouse went uncalled, but the no-call stood, sealing the Cougars' upset.
The victory propelled BYU to a 6-0 record and delivered a resounding statement for the Big 12 conference. Meanwhile, Notre Dame (6-1) squandered an opportunity to claim the top spot in the upcoming AP Poll, especially on a day when five top-10 teams suffered defeats. The loss also heightens the stakes for the Irish's Nov. 7 matchup against No. 3 Miami (6-0), which is expected to ascend to No. 1 after a 43-35 double-overtime win over Florida State.
Key Analysis
The implications of this game extend beyond the final score. For BYU, the win solidifies their position as a legitimate contender and underscores the Big 12's strength, with undefeated teams like Texas Tech and Utah also in the mix. For Notre Dame, the defeat raises questions about their ability to win marquee road games under coach Marcus Freeman, dropping their road record against ranked opponents to 3-4. The Irish's playoff hopes may hinge on their performance against Miami, as their schedule strength could be scrutinized against SEC and Big Ten at-large candidates.
Notre Dame's first half was marred by mistakes: edge rusher Boubacar Traore was ejected for targeting on a helmet-to-helmet hit on BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier, and CJ Carr missed potential touchdown passes to Jordan Faison and Jack Larsen. A botched spike attempt by Carr was ruled a fumble, recovered by Jayven Williams, helping BYU take a 21-10 halftime lead. Bachmeier was instrumental, accounting for 59 yards on the opening drive and scoring two rushing touchdowns and a 15-yard receiving score from Kyler Kasper.
The Irish rallied in the second half, capitalizing on special teams plays. Bubba Frazier recovered a muffed punt, and Joey O'Brien tackled BYU punter Fulluer Shurtz on a fake punt, leading to two Spencer Porath field goals. Notre Dame took a 24-21 lead in the fourth quarter on a 38-yard pass from Carr to Greathouse, setting up a 5-yard touchdown run by freshman Jonaz Walton and a two-point conversion with 10:34 left. However, BYU answered with Bachmeier's 6-yard touchdown pass to Walker Lyons with 1:47 remaining, reclaiming the lead.
Carr nearly orchestrated a game-winning drive, completing key passes to Greathouse and Micah Gilbert, but the final play's no-call dashed Notre Dame's hopes. Bachmeier finished with 224 passing yards, 45 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns, while Carr went 27 of 49 for 261 yards. The controversial ending will be debated, but BYU's statement win resonates across the college football landscape.
Originally reported by sportingnews.