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On Saturday, BYU and Notre Dame will clash in Provo in a game that has captured the attention of the college football world. The matchup features a top-10 ranking, College GameDay on site, a picturesque autumn backdrop, and significant College Football Playoff ramifications. It also pits two of the most prominent religiously affiliated programs in the sport against each other under the lights at LaVell Edwards Stadium. This marks Notre Dame's first trip to Provo since 2004.
In anticipation of the showdown, Patrick Sullivan of the Notre Dame site One Foot Down, part of SB Nation, shared his insights and engaged in some friendly back-and-forth with BYU faithful.
Key Individual Matchup
When asked which individual battle will most influence the outcome and which Notre Dame player BYU fans should monitor, Sullivan pointed to the trenches. He emphasized the Notre Dame offensive line's ability to generate push in the running game against BYU's formidable defensive front. Sullivan praised the Cougars' defense, noting their 11th national ranking in yards per play allowed, tied for 8th in scoring defense, and top-20 standing in yards per carry allowed.
Notre Dame's rushing attack has been inconsistent, but recent weeks have shown improvement with the emergence of true freshman Jonaz Walton, who has racked up 362 yards and 2 touchdowns on 8.4 yards per carry over the last three games. However, Sullivan acknowledged that those performances came against weaker defenses like Purdue and Stanford. Despite the uptick, the Irish rank only 38th nationally in yards per carry, struggling to replace the NFL departures of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price while integrating a talented but inexperienced offensive line.
Early in the season, Notre Dame relied on running backs Nolan James and Aneyas Williams, who are solid but lack explosiveness. Walton could be the spark, as evidenced by his 97- and 40-yard touchdown runs last weekend, but he faces his toughest test yet against BYU's defense. The only comparable rushing defense Notre Dame has faced is Wisconsin, which held the Irish to 3.5 yards per carry and 111 rushing yards, though Williams found success in the second half as the Badgers wore down.
Sullivan concluded that this matchup could be pivotal. Even with quarterback CJ Carr performing at a high level, the passing game is somewhat limited by questions at receiver, making a productive rushing attack essential for Notre Dame to achieve offensive success. He identified Walton and James as players to watch behind that offensive line.
Notre Dame's Biggest Strength
Sullivan identified Notre Dame's run defense as its most impressive unit thus far, a shift from preseason expectations that the secondary would lead the way. While the pass defense has been strong in recent years, the Irish have been less stifling than anticipated due to the absence of starting safety Brauntae Johnson and occasional lapses. However, cornerback Leonard Moore, assuming he returns from a concussion that sidelined him against Stanford, has lived up to his billing, and DJ McKinney has been excellent opposite him. Safeties Adon Shuler and Luke Talich have also provided strong play.
Still, the defense's standout area is stopping the run. Notre Dame ranks 3rd nationally in yards per carry allowed (2.1) and surrenders fewer than 50 rushing yards per game. Opponents have scored exactly one rushing touchdown in six games. Sullivan cautioned against overhyping this, as none of Notre Dame's first six opponents rank in the top 50 nationally in yards per carry, but he praised the front seven for dominating inferior rushing attacks and forcing teams to challenge the secondary through the air.
The defensive line, a preseason question mark, has been a pleasant surprise. A deep defensive tackle rotation, athletic edge rushers Boubacar Traore and Bryce Young, and linebackers Drayk Bowen and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, along with safeties like Shuler, have been relentless in run support. Despite missing a starting defensive tackle, Johnson at safety, and Viliamu-Asa for some time, Chris Ash's defense in his second year has delivered a lights-out run defense.
Season Expectations
Sullivan rejected the notion that this is a national title or bust season, calling that extreme even for the fan base. He cited the unpredictability of young players in a single-elimination playoff and the impact of draws. Personally, he views a semifinal appearance as the benchmark. Given the favorable schedule and the talent and coaching returning, making the playoff is the minimum expectation. Missing the playoff after last year's success would be a major failure for Marcus Freeman, especially with a quarterback like CJ Carr. Sullivan noted that pairing an elite defense with a potential first-round quarterback is a rare opportunity.
However, simply making the playoff isn't enough for Sullivan. He believes the team is capable of reaching the Final Four, whether via a bye and a neutral-site quarterfinal win or a home first-round victory followed by a neutral-site win. He acknowledged his own conditioning to expect disappointment, referencing the 2012 season that ended with a loss to Alabama and the Manti Te'o scandal. Yet he believes Freeman is different from past coaches and that the program is better positioned than ever to win its first title in nearly 40 years, provided they get the necessary breaks.
What Concerns Notre Dame's Staff
Sullivan believes BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier will command the most attention from Notre Dame's coaching staff, especially with running back LJ Martin unavailable. The Irish contained a mobile quarterback in Colton Joseph of Wisconsin in the opener, but Joseph is not the passing threat Bachmeier is. Sullivan is curious whether Notre Dame will spy Bachmeier with a linebacker and rely on the front four for pressure, or send occasional blitzes and hope Bachmeier can't escape. BYU has been excellent at preventing sacks and tackles for loss, so how Chris Ash calls the game will be intriguing. If Bachmeier has time, he could do damage through the air, as not every member of the secondary is Leonard Moore, and some have been beaten deep in recent years. Sullivan noted Bachmeier's inconsistency on deep balls, but if he connects once or twice, the home crowd could shift momentum. Limiting Bachmeier's ground production would also be crucial, as BYU's passing game may not be dynamic enough to win without a effective running game.
BYU-Notre Dame Relationship
Sullivan described how Notre Dame fans view BYU as fellow religiously affiliated brethren in the college football landscape. He expressed disappointment that BYU had to join the Big 12 due to realignment, but appreciated a faith-based institution in a cold climate that has built competitive athletic programs. He acknowledged BYU's history and great players, though mentioning Ty Detmer's Heisman over Rocket Ismail strikes a nerve. Overall, he said Notre Dame fans like and respect BYU, and the Cougars earned points by adding the Irish to the schedule after USC backed out of their rivalry. He appreciates that BYU is willing to play a top program outside of conference play.
Future Scheduling
Sullivan is glad the USC series appears to be resolved, as he wanted that annual game preserved. However, he believes BYU would make a competitive and fun annual opponent, often relevant for resume-building, unlike some other Notre Dame regulars that have declined. With realignment and playoff expansion complicating scheduling for independents, he thinks relying on BYU as a scheduling bedrock alongside USC would be beneficial. He supports adding BYU annually and would love to attend a game in Provo, calling it a bucket-list experience.
Game Prediction
Sullivan is wary of overconfidence among Notre Dame fans, noting the raucous road environment, night game, and BYU's talent on both sides. He thinks Martin's absence will limit BYU's offensive consistency, forcing reliance on big plays or Bachmeier's legs, which could take a physical toll. Meanwhile, he expects Notre Dame's offense to struggle early but find success with drives led by James and Walton on the ground and Carr connecting with Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse on third down. He predicts the Irish will settle for some field goals but ultimately win with defense and offensive strength, though not cover the spread. He foresees a nervous finish for Notre Dame fans, with a late stop or turnover sealing the game. His prediction: Notre Dame 23, BYU 20.
Originally reported by yahoo.