No. 8 BYU will host No. 2 Notre Dame under the lights of LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday night. The matchup, facilitated by a text message and unexpected scheduling breaks, could serve as a program-defining moment for the Cougars as they attempt to launch back onto the national stage, according to a CBS Sports report published October 16.
The scheduling opportunity arose after BYU athletic director Brian Santiago contacted Ryan Sweeney, a Notre Dame graduate and partner of BYU booster Ryan Smith, to request a connection with Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua. The discussions began while both programs were managing scheduling complications related to the College Football Playoff and a rivalry game with USC. After Notre Dame withdrew from the Pop-Tarts Bowl following the postseason, Santiago offered support to the Irish, which led to the agreement to play in Provo next year.
The upcoming game marks the highest-ranked opponent to visit Provo since Pete Carroll's USC in 2004 and the first AP Top 5 opponent since BYU joined power conferences. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman noted that BYU will be the team's best opponent to date, citing their ranking and record. For the Irish, the game is a significant step in returning to the national title picture, as they have not defeated an AP Top-10 opponent on the road since 2012.
BYU enters the game with a 28-4 record over the past three seasons, a mark trailing only Indiana and Notre Dame. A victory would likely secure a spot in the College Football Playoff and establish the Cougars as a Big 12 favorite. BYU center Bruce Preston noted that the game has generated significant excitement among families and fans alike.
BYU and Notre Dame share a long history, including a six-game scheduling agreement signed in 2011. Previous matchups include a 1992 game and a 1994 road victory for the Cougars. The program has historically looked to the Notre Dame model for guidance, especially as BYU navigated its transition to independence and subsequently to power conference play.
