BYU Defeats Notre Dame in a Thrilling Matchup

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October 18, 2026
College Sports Sports

In a dramatic game in Provo, Utah, Bear Bachmeier delivered a game-winning touchdown pass with only 1:47 on the clock, leading No. 8 BYU to a 28-24 victory over No. 2 Notre Dame. This game highlighted a unique event in college football as five of the top eight teams in the AP Top 25 suffered losses on the same day for the first time, according to Sportradar. Coupled with No. 1 Georgia’s defeat to Auburn, the top two teams lost on the same day in a regular season for the first time since November 17, 2012.

Bachmeier showcased his versatility, running for two touchdowns, catching another, and passing for 224 yards. His performance helped the Cougars (6-0) secure a win over the Fighting Irish for the first time since 2004. Preston Rex contributed with 66 rushing yards on ten carries, aiding BYU in achieving a 6-0 start for the third consecutive year. Following the win, fans celebrated by storming the field.

After Bachmeier’s critical touchdown throw to Walker Lyons, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr made several pivotal passes to advance the team into BYU’s territory, including a key fourth-down completion to Micah Gilbert. This moved Notre Dame to the BYU 9-yard line with four seconds left on the clock. However, Carr’s final pass was incomplete, sealing the victory for BYU.

The Irish had managed to reduce an 11-point deficit to five by the fourth quarter, capitalizing on BYU’s errors such as a muffed punt return and a failed fake punt. Jonaz Walton’s 3-yard touchdown run gave Notre Dame a temporary 24-21 lead with 9:31 remaining. A subsequent interception by Jayden Sanders at the Notre Dame 15-yard line seemed to threaten BYU’s chances.

Despite challenges, the Cougars held firm, forcing a Notre Dame three-and-out. Bachmeier led a decisive 55-yard drive on ten plays, concluding with Lyons’ 6-yard touchdown reception. CJ Carr completed the game with 27 completions on 49 attempts for 261 yards, while Nolan James Jr. added 77 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Irish, who ended their 16-game win streak.

In the first half, Bachmeier efficiently combined passing with strategic runs. He completed 72% of his throws, unsettling the Irish defense early. BYU scored on their opening drive with Bachmeier’s 5-yard touchdown run. Notre Dame responded with an 8-yard touchdown run by James to take a 10-7 lead.

Bachmeier continued to challenge Notre Dame, catching a pass from Kyler Kasper to vault BYU back into the lead. He further extended the lead with a 1-yard dive touchdown, making it 21-10 at halftime. A late Notre Dame drive to the BYU 5-yard line fell apart when Carr fumbled while attempting to spike the ball, resulting in a turnover recovered by Isaiah Glasker.

The takeaway

Notre Dame: The Irish often faltered in the red zone, surrendering a turnover and settling for field goals despite advantageous field position.

BYU: BYU missed a chance to extend the lead significantly in the third quarter as a penalty annulled a 39-yard touchdown pass. They later made mistakes on special teams that helped Notre Dame regain momentum.