BYU Cougars tight end Walker Lyons (7) celebrates his touchdown during a game against Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. BYU won the game 28-24. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News Dave McCann Mon, October 19, 2026 at 1:03 AM UTC · 24 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday's heavyweight showdown had everything — the good, the bad and the ugly. BYU and Notre Dame combined for 146 plays on offense with the 146th as the one that decided the 28-24 Cougar victory .
As historic as it was, with BYU winning the first top-10 showdown in LaVell Edwards Stadium history, it was equally dramatic — especially as the two thoroughbreds stormed down the final stretch.
Trailing 24-21 with 4:23 remaining in the fourth quarter, freshman receiver Legend Glasker broke open and sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier hit him for a 26-yard gain to the Notre Dame 15.
"The whole time on the sideline, I was just smiling because I knew it was going to be one of those games," Glasker said. "I was calm and collected, especially on the last drive. I knew the ball was going to come so I just had to make a play some way."
Glasker, who starred at Lehi High last fall, beat the highly touted Irish secondary with five receptions for 66 yards and he picked up 9 yards on two running plays.
"I knew the pressure was here and I wasn't scared. I was so happy to be in this atmosphere," he said. "That's why I committed here. I know BYU gets it done. I need to stop saying 'BYU gets it done.' We get it done. I'm happy to be here."
Four plays after Glasker's catch, on third-and-goal from the 6-yard line, Bachmeier stood firm in the pocket and fired a strike to a diving Walker Lyons to put BYU back in the lead 28-24 with 1:47 to play.
"It was a great play call," Bachmeier said. "They went with an all-out blitz, and Walker had a great night."
The USC transfer caught five passes for 49 yards as Bachmeier peppered Notre Dame's defense for 224 yards passing and 28 points. Notre Dame entered the game as a double-digit favorite with the nation's No. 1-rated defense.
"We are tired of being disrespected," he said. "We were going to win this game. I wasn't going to lose to those guys."
Later, in the general media interviews, Bachmeier expounded further on his beef with the Irish over how they handled his recruiting after his senior year of high school.
Despite the dramatic touchdown in front of BYU's largest home crowd (65,179) since 2004, the drama was far from over. With a series of clutch plays, Notre Dame marched to the BYU 8-yard line with time for one last shot at the end zone.
"Coach Pop (Kelly Poppinga) is super aggressive," said junior safety Faletau Satuala of his first-year defensive coordinator. "We went zero coverage and blitzed everybody and tried to force the quarterback to make a play and see whose dudes are better, and at the end of the day, we ended up winning. It was a big play."
Satuala's "dudes" up front kept the pressure on Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr.
"We knew they were going to hard count," said senior defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa. "There is not much field, so, we got our hands up and try to deflect the ball. The DBs did great."
Notre Dame's Jaden Greathouse was the intended target in the right corner of the end zone, but he was blanketed by BYU senior cornerback Evan Johnson, and both had a hold of each other as Carr's pass sailed behind them.
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars safety Payton Vansteenkiste (24) celebrates his team's 28-24 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) celebrates after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) blocks Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jaden Greathouse (1) from getting a pass during a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars fans storm the field as they celebrate their team's 28-24 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars defensive end Anisi Purcell (94) celebrates his team's 28-24 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars fans rush the field after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU President Shane Reese celebrates after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) celebrates after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars fans storm the field as they celebrate their team's 28-24 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars tight end Walker Lyons (7) celebrates his touchdown during a football game against Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. BYU won the game 28-24. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake talks to an official during the second half of a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, in Provo. BYU won the game 28-24. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars fans rush the field after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars fans rush the field after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman coaches during a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars fans rush the field after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) throws during the second half of a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, in Provo. BYU won the game 28-24. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake is interviewed by Holly Rowe after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) celebrates after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) celebrates as fans rush the field after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars running back Logan Payne (38) celebrates his team's 28-24 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars fans celebrate a touchdown during the first half of a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws during the second half of a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, in Provo. BYU won the game 28-24. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars wide receiver Kyler Kasper (3) is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Leonard Moore (15) during a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars running back Preston Rex (12) celebrates with BYU Cougars wide receiver Kyler Kasper (3), left, after running the ball during a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars wide receiver Kyler Kasper (3) catches the ball during a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander (1) celebrates during a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars fans cheer as Notre Dame Fighting Irish players exit for halftime during a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake watches a replay during the first half of a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) walks off the field after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
A young fan stands for "The Star-Spangled Banner" before a football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) scores a touchdown during the first half of a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47), left, throws as Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Keon Keeley (11) defends during the second half of a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, in Provo. BYU won the game 28-24. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
American billionaire businessman Ryan Smith watches the a football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
Fans rush the field as BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake is interviewed by Holly Rowe after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) throws during the first half of a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars fans sit together during halftime of a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
The sun sets during a football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars running back Preston Rex (12) runs the ball during a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) scores a touchdown during a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman talks to players during a time out during the second half of a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, in Provo. BYU won the game 28-24. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
The BYU Cougars marching band performs during halftime of a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
A dancer performs during a football game between the the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, in Provo. BYU won the game 28-24. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate after scoring a touchdown during a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Jack Larsen (85) misses a pass during a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) scores a touchdown during a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47), right, celebrates after scoring a touchdown during a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) runs the ball during a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) scores a touchdown during a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars kicker Matthias Dunn (97) kicks a field goal during the first half of a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) runs in a touchdown the first half of a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) runs in a touchdown the first half of a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) celebrates after running in a touchdown the first half of a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) runs in a touchdown the first half of a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) runs in a touchdown the first half of a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars kicker Matthias Dunn (97) kicks a field goal during the first half of a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) warms up before a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) warms up before a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) warms up before a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars players warm up before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47), left, stands with teammates before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
The BYU Cougars and Notre Dame Fighting Irish warm up before a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars linebacker Jake Clifton (31) warms up before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars linebacker Pierson Watson (23) warms up before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake arrives before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Jack Larsen (85) warms up before a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
The BYU Cougars arrive before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Ian Premer (24) warms up before a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake arrives before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars assistant head coach Sione Po'uha arrives before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) arrives to a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman arrives before a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
The BYU Cougars arrive before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish arrive before a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
The BYU Cougars marching band performs during the Cougar Walk as an individual covers their ears before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake arrives to a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake arrives to a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman, right, arrives to a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
The BYU Cougars marching band walks out before BYU Cougars players arrive to a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish fans cheer as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish arrive to a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman, right, arrives to a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars cheerleaders cheer during the Cougar Walk before a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars players arrive to a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
A BYU Cougars fan cheers as BYU Cougars players arrive to a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan Parkston Witham, 7, from Indiana, center, waits with his family to watch the Notre Dame Fighting Irish arrive to a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars players arrive to a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
The BYU Cougars marching band walks out before BYU Cougars players arrive to a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is greeted by fans as he arrives to a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars players arrive to a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars players high-five fans as they arrive to a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake arrives to a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
7-year-old Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan Jack Hill of Fruit Heights waits for his team to arrive before a football game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News
A BYU Cougars fan cheers as BYU Cougars players arrive to a football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
"The coaches taught us all week, bend don't break. Be unbreakable," Satuala said. "Obviously, there were a couple plays (where) we could have just ended the drive right there. In the end, we ended up finishing it."
From Bachmeier's view on the sideline, the final drive was painstaking.
"My heart was beating," he said. "I had all the confidence in the world, but they made it scary."
Notre Dame lost star edge rusher Boubacar Traore during the opening drive of the game with a blatant targeting call after he launched his helmet into Bachmeier's head. Kyler Kasper's 15-yard touchdown pass back to Bachmeier in the second quarter was the same double-pass play BYU ran against No. 9 Baylor in 2022 when Chase Roberts threw back to quarterback Jaren Hall for a touchdown.
Bachmeier became the first BYU quarterback in 30 years to have a receiving and rushing touchdown in the same game. Lt. Col. Jefferson Page , a BYU grad, led a pregame flyover of four F-35s from Hill Air Force Base to make an already big game even bigger. During his post-game interview with Spencer Linton on BYUtv, Bachmeier broke down in tears when asked what it was like to win that game in front of his family — "It means a lot. I love those guys. That's the reason why. That's who I am. I love those guys. I love my family."
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) celebrates after the BYU Cougars won against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts "Y's Guys" at ysguys.com and is the author of the children's book "C is for Cougar," available at deseretbook.com.
Source: Sports
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