BYU defeated Notre Dame in Provo following a controversial final play involving a missed pass interference call, according to a Sporting News report published October 18. The Cougars maintained their undefeated status on the year following the upset, while the Fighting Irish suffered their first loss of the season.
The game's outcome was shaped by a late BYU touchdown that put the Cougars ahead by four points with less than two minutes remaining. Notre Dame attempted a final drive to tie or win the game, but the play ended in an incomplete pass from CJ Carr to Jaden Greathouse.
While Greathouse recorded eight catches for 125 yards during the game, the final pass sailed over his head. Despite apparent contact between Greathouse and BYU defender Omar Thornton, officials did not call pass interference. Because the play is not subject to review, the win was secured for BYU once the officials declined to throw a flag.
Rules analysts Matt Austin and Terry McAulay both suggested that a penalty should have been called on the final play. Austin stated that the contact between the defender and the receiver warranted a flag, noting that the contact involved grabbing the arm rather than playing the ball.
In addition to the missed penalty, replay officials appeared to overlook that one second remained on the game clock when Carr's pass hit the ground. This oversight potentially cost Notre Dame the opportunity to attempt one additional play.
The victory for BYU occurred during a Saturday of college football action where several top eight teams were involved in close battles. Notre Dame had previously used a strong second half to score 14 consecutive points during the matchup.
