BYU Upsets Notre Dame in Thrilling Finish

In Provo, Utah, Bear Bachmeier led No. 8 BYU to a dramatic 28-24 win over No. 2 Notre Dame. Bachmeier secured the victory with a touchdown pass just 1:47 before the game’s end. The game was part of a unique day in college football, where five of the top eight AP Top 25 teams lost. Notably, No. 1 Georgia also fell to Auburn, mirroring a similar scenario from November 17, 2012.

Bachmeier shined, running in two touchdowns, catching another, and throwing for 224 yards. This victory marked BYU’s first win over Notre Dame since 2004. Preston Rex bolstered the effort with 66 yards on 10 carries, aiding the Cougars’ 6-0 start for the third year running. The home crowd celebrated the victory on the field.

Late in the game, Bachmeier connected with Walker Lyons for a crucial TD. Notre Dame’s CJ Carr responded, pushing the Fighting Irish into BYU territory. His effort included a fourth-down pass to Micah Gilbert reaching the BYU 9-yard line. However, Carr’s final pass fell incomplete in the end zone, cementing BYU’s win.

The Irish had reduced their 11-point halftime deficit to five entering the fourth quarter. They capitalized on Cougars’ mistakes, scoring after a muffed punt return and a failed fake punt. Jonaz Walton’s 3-yard touchdown run gave Notre Dame a 24-21 lead with just over nine minutes left.

Bachmeier soon brought BYU back into contention. Although his pass was intercepted by Jayden Sanders at the Irish 15-yard line, BYU’s defense forced Notre Dame into a three-and-out. Bachmeier then led a 55-yard drive, culminating in Lyons’ touchdown. Carr completed 27 of 49 passes for 261 yards, with Nolan James Jr. adding 77 yards rushing and a TD. The defeat ended Notre Dame’s 16-game winning streak.

In the first half, Bachmeier was solid, completing 72% of his throws. He opened BYU’s scoring with a 5-yard run, only for Notre Dame to move ahead 10-7 with James scoring on an 8-yard run. Bachmeier then caught a 15-yard pass from Kyler Kasper and crossed the goal line again on a 1-yard dive, giving the Cougars a 21-10 halftime edge.

Before halftime, Notre Dame reached the BYU 5-yard line but lost the ball due to a fumble by Carr. Isaiah Glasker’s recovery upheld BYU’s two-score lead, marking just Notre Dame’s second turnover of the season. The Irish failed to capitalize fully on red zone chances, turning the ball over once and settling for field goals in advantageous positions.

BYU’s potential third-quarter 28-10 lead was nullified by a penalty, erasing JoJo Phillips’ 39-yard TD reception. Subsequent special teams mistakes allowed Notre Dame back into the contest.

Next Games

• Notre Dame will face Navy on October 31.
• BYU will play against UCF on October 24.