BYU is scheduled to host Notre Dame on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 5:30 p.m. in a matchup that could be considered the biggest single game ever hosted at LaVell Edwards Stadium, according to a Oct. 16 report.
The game will be broadcast live in a primetime slot on ABC and will include ESPN’s College Gameday pregame show. The No. 8 ranked Cougars face a No. 2 ranked Irish team in a contest that presents a significant opportunity for the program.
BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick noted that the offense faces a difficult task against a Notre Dame defense that holds a No. 1 national ranking in yards allowed per game. The offense will be playing without star running back LJ Martin for a second straight week.
Roderick said the team will rely on a committee of running backs, including converted safety Preston Rex and freshmen Journee Tonga and DeVaughn Eka, to handle the workload. He also expressed confidence that quarterback Bear Bachmeier will handle the high-profile game with poise despite the adversity of facing a top-ranked defense.
On the defensive side, BYU defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga said the team must prepare for Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, whom he described as the best quarterback in the country. Poppinga stated the goal is to confuse Carr through pre-snap adjustments.
Defensive coordinator Poppinga also noted increased motivation among players during recent practices. The defense will also see the return of sophomore cornerback Cannon DeVries, who was out due to injury during the previous game against Iowa State. DeVries is also expected to return to punting and kicking duties.
The upcoming game follows a recent matchup against the Cyclones, where BYU's offensive and special teams units faced various challenges. BYU's recent performance against Iowa State saw DeVries held out due to injury and Tiger Bachmeier struggling on special teams.
BYU coach Kalani Sitake said the team needs to be at its best to compete in what he expects to be a great competition. He noted that games of this nature increase the sense of urgency for the program.
