PROVO, Utah – In a thrilling college football showdown, Bear Bachmeier led the No. 8 BYU Cougars to a dramatic 28-24 victory over the No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday night. With just 1:47 remaining, Bachmeier connected on a go-ahead touchdown pass, helping BYU secure a win that marked their first against the Irish since 2004.
This game was part of an unprecedented day in college football history, as five of the top eight teams in the AP Top 25 suffered losses, a statistic noted by Sportradar. Notably, this included the top two teams in the country—No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Notre Dame—losing on the same day for the first time since November 17, 2012.
Bachmeier was a standout performer, throwing for 224 yards, rushing for two touchdowns, and even catching another. His versatility was pivotal in allowing the Cougars to improve to a 6-0 record for the third consecutive season. Preston Rex contributed 66 yards on 10 carries, solidifying the Cougar offense.
“We’re tired of being disrespected,” Bachmeier stated after the game. “We know who we are. This was a great win for sure.” His sentiment underscored the motivation the Cougars felt, particularly against a team that had previously overlooked him during the recruitment process.
The game reached a nail-biting climax when CJ Carr, quarterback for the Irish, orchestrated a late drive into Cougar territory, leading to a fourth-down completion that positioned Notre Dame at the BYU 9-yard line with only four seconds left. However, Carr’s final pass fell incomplete, sealing the defeat for the Irish.
“We had them on the ropes, and we couldn’t find a way to finish,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman reflected on the game. “They found a way to get a stop when they needed it the most.” This quote captures the frustration felt by the Fighting Irish, who had a chance to clinch victory but faltered in critical moments.
The Cougars began the game strong, with Bachmeier scoring on a five-yard rushing touchdown on their opening drive. Notre Dame briefly took the lead with a touchdown run from Nolan James Jr. However, Bachmeier quickly retaliated, catching a pass and running for a touchdown, then adding another rushing score to give BYU a 21-10 halftime lead.
The second half saw the Irish fight back, narrowing the Cougars’ lead to just five points before a crucial interception by Jayden Sanders thwarted BYU’s efforts to extend their lead. Nevertheless, Bachmeier’s leadership shone through as he guided the Cougars on a 55-yard drive that culminated in the decisive touchdown.
In addition to his passing and rushing touchdowns, Bachmeier made history by becoming the only FBS quarterback in the last 30 seasons to achieve both a rushing and receiving touchdown against an AP Top 25 opponent. His performance drew comparisons to legendary quarterback Steve Young, who last accomplished a similar feat in the 1983 Holiday Bowl.
“It’s nice to be able to use him in so many different ways,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake. “With Bear’s skills, you can do a lot of different things with him.” This adaptability has proven crucial for the Cougars’ success this season.
The Irish, despite their loss, showed flashes of offensive prowess. Carr finished the game with 261 passing yards, and James contributed 77 rushing yards and a touchdown. However, their inability to convert critical opportunities in the red zone ultimately cost them the game.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame will face Navy on October 31, while BYU prepares for a matchup against UCF on October 24. Both teams will be eager to build on their performances from this intense game.
As college football continues to deliver unexpected outcomes, this game serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that defines the sport. With teams battling for positioning in the rankings, every game carries the weight of potential consequences, making each week a thrilling chapter in the season’s narrative.
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