{"id":889058,"date":"2026-10-20T17:18:02","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T17:18:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/889058\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T17:18:02","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T17:18:02","slug":"the-day-national-perception-of-byu-football-changed-forever-deseret-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/889058\/","title":{"rendered":"The day national perception of BYU football changed forever \u2013 Deseret News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Proof that these aren\u2019t your grandfather\u2019s BYU Cougars, or even your father\u2019s, or even the plucky bunch from the last two seasons \u2014 in terms of national perception \u2014 came about 15 hours after No. 8 BYU toppled No. 2 Notre Dame 28-24<\/a> at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday night.<\/p>\n

Voters in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, comprised of media members from across the country, mostly ignored the noise about the wild and somewhat controversial ending<\/a>, and how the Big 12 said the final play should have been reviewed to see if there was any time left on the clock, and how there might have been defensive pass interference on the play, and ranked undefeated BYU No. 2 in the country anyway<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Now that\u2019s respect.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s respect that wasn\u2019t readily apparent<\/a> before the game began, with most national pundits predicting an easy Notre Dame victory and a comeuppance of sorts for a good-but-not-great BYU program that did a face plant \u2014 twice \u2014 last year against Texas Tech when the lights were shining the brightest.<\/p>\n

I think if you come to our house, we\u2019re gonna defend it. We can play with anyone in the nation, and the job\u2019s not finished.<\/p>\n

\u2014 \u00a0BYU running back Preston Rex<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah man, we were tired of being disrespected,\u201d said BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who inched closer into the Heisman Trophy race by outplaying Notre Dame QB CJ Carr, who is on that list, when it really mattered. \u201cWe know who we are, and man, this was a great win for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Really, it was a transformational win for the program. The Cougars seem to have finally arrived.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of people weren\u2019t respecting us,\u201d said linebacker Cade Uluave, who led BYU with nine tackles, including a tackle for loss. \u201cA lot of people thought we were a fluke or didn\u2019t think we were all that. Now we went out and beat the No. 2 team in the country, so hopefully people will put some respect on our name.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

A quick perusal of social media accounts throughout the game in which BYU matched the mighty Irish in almost every meaningful statistical category proved that respect, indeed, and finally, has set up shop in Provo.<\/p>\n

Wrote Stewart Mandel of The Athletic: \u201cI will admit, I did not think No. 8 BYU could beat No. 2 Notre Dame on Saturday with its star running back LJ Martin on the shelf. I sorely underestimated Bear Bachmeier and the Cougars. The Irish may have, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Missing its top two running backs \u2014 Sione Moa was listed as questionable this week but did not play \u2014 BYU had 87 rushing yards in the first half and finished with 121, the most the Irish have given up on the ground this season. The previous high was 77, by North Carolina. <\/p>\n

\u201cIn the first top-10 matchup ever played at LaVell Edwards Stadium, BYU made a statement not just for Kalani Sitake\u2019s program \u2014 which is now 29-4 over the past three seasons (the second-highest winning percentage behind only Indiana) \u2014 but for the terminally disrespected Big 12,\u201d Mandel wrote.<\/p>\n

Also in the new AP poll released Sunday, Texas Tech moved up to No. 8, Utah moved up to No. 10, Houston moved up to No. 14 and Arizona \u2014 now one of BYU\u2019s two wins over ranked teams \u2014 snuck in at No. 25. National observers said BYU was carrying the banner of the Big 12 on Saturday night, and the Cougars passed with flying colors.<\/p>\n

A message was sent, and the rest of the country received it. <\/p>\n

\u201cI think if you come to our house, we\u2019re gonna defend it. We can play with anyone in the nation, and the job\u2019s not finished,\u201d said running back Preston Rex, who ran for a career-high 66 yards on 10 carries. \u201cIt was a great win. We\u2019re gonna celebrate it for the weekend. But come Monday, we\u2019re gonna make the necessary preparations for the next game, for UCF and then for ASU. We are a real contender and we\u2019re just gonna take it week by week.\u201d<\/p>\n

There are more BYU believers now than in recent memory. But the target on their backs will grow bigger, beginning this weekend in Orlando, Florida.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\u201cNotre Dame is a great team, and they got the most out of us. I thought it was a good move for us to have this game, because our team grew up quite a bit, and I was really proud of the way they developed throughout this week, and the sense of urgency that we\u2019ve been wanting from this team, I think, is here,\u201d said BYU coach Kalani Sitake. <\/p>\n

\u201cSo we just gotta stay humble and keep working. I mean, this is one game that we\u2019re really proud of, and really excited for, but we gotta get ready for the next one, too, and we\u2019ll celebrate and be happy about this win. We\u2019ll look at the things that we can learn from and get better, but we\u2019ve got to be humble and hungry, and we\u2019ve got to find ways to get better and improve for next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

In many ways, Sitake\u2019s coaching mettle will be tested like never before this week. Fresh off their emotionally draining victory over a Notre Dame team that had won 16 straight games by double digits, the Cougars have to travel two time zones away and take on a decent UCF team (1-2, 3-3) that had a bye this past weekend.<\/p>\n

Saturday\u2019s Big 12 game will kick off at 1:30 p.m. MDT and will be televised nationally by FOX.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you guys see what happened (in college football Saturday)?\u201d Sitake asked. \u201cI just heard about a lot of the scores, and so college football is hard, and it\u2019s difficult to win games, and you can never take anything for granted. You just have to keep playing the game and keep working hard. So we\u2019ll test our humility, but we\u2019ve got to find ways to stay humble, and we\u2019ll make that work.\u201d<\/p>\n

BYU safety Raider Damuni returned to action since going down in the opener and immediately made his presence felt, notable considering two of BYU\u2019s top three cornerbacks \u2014 Tre Alexander and Jayven Williams \u2014 got dinged up. <\/p>\n

Cougars on the air<\/p>\n

No. 2 BYU (6-0, 3-0) at UCF (3-3, 1-2)<\/p>\n

Saturday, 1:30 p.m. MDTAt Acrisure Bounce House, Orlando, FloridaTV: FoxRadio: 102.7 FM\/1160 AM<\/p>\n

Damuni had seven tackles and broke up a pass. More proof that BYU matched Notre Dame\u2019s physicality: BYU had three tackles for loss, while Notre Dame had two. BYU won despite losing the turnover battle, 2-1.<\/p>\n

The Cougars were a perfect 4 for 4 in getting touchdowns in the red zone, eight days after struggling there in the 24-10 win over Iowa State.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is one of those moments that you dream of as a kid,\u201d Damuni said. \u201cGrowing up as a BYU fan, you dream of playing in these games and winning these games. That\u2019s the most fun I\u2019ve ever had playing a college football game.\u201d<\/p>\n

So remember the day \u2014 Oct. 17, 2026.<\/p>\n

It was the day that BYU not only upset the biggest brand in college football, but did so when the entire country was watching, from daybreak to day\u2019s end \u2014 controversial finish, or not.<\/p>\n

It will never be forgotten. It was transformational for a program that has punched above its weight class for decades. Now it has to be considered a heavyweight in the college football world.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 1 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 2 of 102<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars safety Payton Vansteenkiste (24) celebrates his team\u2019s 28-24 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 3 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 4 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 5 of 102<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars fans storm the field as they celebrate their team\u2019s 28-24 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 6 of 102<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars defensive end Anisi Purcell (94) celebrates his team\u2019s 28-24 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 7 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 8 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 9 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 10 of 102<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars fans storm the field as they celebrate their team\u2019s 28-24 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 11 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 12 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 13 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 14 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 15 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 16 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 17 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 18 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 19 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 20 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 21 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 22 of 102<\/p>\n

BYU Cougars running back Logan Payne (38) celebrates his team\u2019s 28-24 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Provo. | Erin Hooley, Deseret News \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 23 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 24 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 25 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 26 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 27 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 28 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 29 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 30 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 31 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 32 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 33 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 34 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 35 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 36 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 37 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 38 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 39 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 40 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 41 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 42 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 43 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 44 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 45 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 46 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 47 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 48 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 49 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 50 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 51 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 52 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 53 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 54 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 55 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 56 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 57 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 58 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 59 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 60 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 61 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 62 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 63 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 64 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 65 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 66 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 67 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 68 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 69 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 70 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 71 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 72 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 73 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 74 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 75 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 76 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 77 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 78 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 79 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 80 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 81 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 82 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 83 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 84 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 85 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 86 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 87 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 88 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 89 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 90 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 91 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 92 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 93 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 94 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 95 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 96 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 97 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 98 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 99 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 100 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 101 of 102<\/p>\n

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 \"\"<\/p>\n

Photo Gallery: 102 of 102<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Proof that these aren\u2019t your grandfather\u2019s BYU Cougars, or even your father\u2019s, or even the plucky bunch from…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":889059,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[399,398,396,397,3125,99],"class_list":["post-889058","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ncaa-football","tag-football","tag-ncaa","tag-ncaa-football","tag-ncaafootball","tag-news-feed-local","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/889058","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=889058"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/889058\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/889059"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=889058"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=889058"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=889058"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}