In Provo, Utah, Bear Bachmeier delivered a decisive touchdown pass with 1:47 remaining, leading No. 8 BYU to a 28-24 victory over No. 2 Notre Dame. This win capped a dramatic day where five out of the top eight teams in the AP Top 25 rankings experienced losses, a rare occurrence last recorded on Nov. 17, 2012, according to Sportradar. This day also saw No. 1 Georgia defeated by Auburn 27-24.
Bachmeier was instrumental for the Cougars, running for two touchdowns, catching one, and passing for 224 yards. This victory marked BYU’s first win over Notre Dame since 2004. Preston Rex contributed with 66 yards on 10 carries, helping BYU achieve a 6-0 record for the third straight year. Following the win, BYU fans celebrated by storming the field.
In the closing moments, after Bachmeier’s touchdown pass to Walker Lyons, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr made key throws, moving the Irish (6-1) into BYU’s territory. A crucial pass to Micah Gilbert put Notre Dame at the BYU 9-yard line with only four seconds left, although Carr’s last attempt fell incomplete in the end zone.
The Irish narrowed an 11-point halftime gap to five points before the fourth quarter. They capitalized on a muffed punt return and a failed fake punt by BYU, cutting the lead with field goals. Jonaz Walton’s 3-yard run put Notre Dame ahead 24-21 with 9:31 left on the clock.
Bachmeier, however, led BYU into Notre Dame’s territory, although Jayden Sanders intercepted a pass at the Irish 15 with 8:05 left. BYU forced Notre Dame into a three-and-out, after which Bachmeier moved the Cougars 55 yards in 10 plays, connecting with Lyons for a go-ahead 6-yard touchdown.
On the Irish side, Carr completed 27 of 49 passes for 261 yards. Nolan James Jr. added 77 rushing yards and a touchdown. Notre Dame’s 16-game winning streak came to an end.
Early in the game, Bachmeier’s mix of passing and running put pressure on Notre Dame. He completed 72% of his passes in the first half. BYU’s opening drive ended with Bachmeier’s 5-yard touchdown run. Notre Dame gained a brief lead 10-7 thanks to an 8-yard run from James. Bachmeier responded with two dynamic plays, catching a 15-yard pass to regain the lead and diving in from 1 yard to extend the margin to 21-10.
Notre Dame approached BYU’s 5-yard line before halftime, but Carr fumbled while trying to spike the ball, allowing Isaiah Glasker to recover it, preserving BYU’s advantage.
Notre Dame: The Irish faced challenges near the goal line, turning the ball over once and settling for field goals after promising starts. BYU: The Cougars missed an opportunity to extend their lead to 28-10 in the third quarter, when a 39-yard touchdown was nullified by a penalty, followed by consecutive special teams errors, allowing Notre Dame back into the game.
Upcoming games include Notre Dame facing Navy on Oct. 31, while BYU will play against UCF on Oct. 24.
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