Brigham Young University (BYU) secured a 28-24 victory over second-ranked Notre Dame on Saturday night in Provo, Utah, marking the Cougars' first win against the Fighting Irish since 2004. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier was instrumental in the win, contributing two rushing touchdowns, one receiving touchdown, and passing for 224 yards. The victory helped BYU maintain a perfect 6-0 start for the third consecutive season, while snapping Notre Dame’s 16-game winning streak.

The game remained closely contested throughout, with key plays defining the outcome. Bachmeier threw a decisive six-yard touchdown pass to Walker Lyons with 1:47 remaining, giving BYU a 28-24 lead. Notre Dame responded with a strong drive led by quarterback CJ Carr, who completed crucial passes including a fourth-down connection to Micah Gilbert that brought the Irish to BYU’s nine-yard line with four seconds left. However, Carr’s final pass fell incomplete in the end zone, securing the Cougars’ win.

The first half saw BYU take an early lead thanks to Bachmeier’s five-yard touchdown run on the opening drive and a 15-yard touchdown reception after catching a pass from Kyler Kasper. He then extended the lead to 21-10 with a one-yard rushing touchdown just before halftime. Notre Dame’s offense pushed back late in the half, driving to BYU’s five-yard line, but a fumble by Carr prevented them from scoring as Isaiah Glasker recovered the loose ball for the Cougars.

In the third quarter, Notre Dame trimmed the deficit after scoring field goals following a muffed punt return and a failed fake punt attempt by BYU. Running back Nolan James Jr. added a 3-yard touchdown run to put the Irish ahead 24-21 with 9:31 remaining. Following an interception by Jayden Sanders at the BYU 15-yard line, the Cougars were able to respond with the eventual game-winning drive.

Carr finished the game with 261 passing yards, while James totaled 77 rushing yards and one touchdown for Notre Dame. The Irish faced just their second turnover of the season in the game. BYU’s running back Preston Fox contributed 66 yards on 10 carries, supporting the balanced offensive effort.

Saturday’s game was part of a remarkable day in college football, where five of the top eight teams in the AP Top 25 were defeated, including No. 1 Georgia, which lost 27-24 to Auburn. This marked the first time in the regular season that the top two teams in the country both suffered losses on the same day.