No. 8 BYU secured a significant victory for the Big 12 by upsetting No. 2 Notre Dame 28-24 in a top-10 matchup at LaVell Edwards Stadium, according to a October 17 report by Sporting News.
The Cougars moved to a 6-0 record with the win, while the 6-1 Irish missed a chance to claim the No. 1 ranking in the upcoming AP Poll.
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier played a central role in the victory, recording 224 passing yards, 45 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns. Bachmeier accounted for 59 yards on the opening 75-yard touchdown drive through both passing and rushing plays. His scoring contributions included two rushing touchdowns and a 15-yard touchdown reception from Kyler Kasper.
Notre Dame faced several challenges during the game, including an early ejection of edge rusher Boubacar Traore for a targeting penalty on Bachmeier. The Irish also struggled with a turnover in the first half when a spike attempt by quarterback CJ Carr was ruled a fumble and recovered by Jayven Williams. BYU held a 21-10 lead at halftime.
Notre Dame rallied in the second half, taking a 24-21 lead in the fourth quarter following a touchdown run by freshman Jonaz Walton. However, BYU responded when Bachmeier connected with Walker Lyons for a 6-yard touchdown with 1:47 remaining. The game concluded with controversy as contact occurred between BYU defensive back Evan Johnson and Notre Dame receiver Jaden Greathouse on the final play, though no penalty was called.
The win reinforces the stability of the Big 12 at the top of the rankings, joining unbeaten teams No. 10 Texas Tech and No. 11 Utah. BYU, coached by Kalani Sitake, is the only school to win double-digit games over the last two seasons without making the College Football Playoff.
Under coach Marcus Freeman, the Irish are now 3-4 on the road against ranked opponents. Their loss follows a day of significant results in the SEC, where five top-10 teams lost.
Notre Dame's upcoming schedule includes a high-stakes game against No. 3 Miami on Nov. 7. The Hurricanes enter that contest following a 43-35 double-overtime win against Florida State.
