BYU Edges Notre Dame in Goal Line Stand to Remain Unbeaten

BYU earns massive victory at home

No. 8 BYU kept its perfect record intact on Saturday night in Provo, Utah. The Cougars pulled off a 28-24 victory over No. 2 Notre Dame after stopping the Fighting Irish at the goal line on the final play of the game.

Bear Bachmeier delivered a strong performance for BYU. He threw for 224 yards and tossed the go ahead six yard touchdown pass to Walker Lyons with 1:47 left. Bachmeier also scored two rushing touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass during the contest.

Late comeback seals the win

BYU built an 11 point lead at halftime before Notre Dame began to chip away. The Fighting Irish added field goals after a muffed punt return and a failed fake punt by the Cougars. That cut the BYU lead to five points entering the fourth quarter.

Notre Dame took a 24-21 lead with 9:31 remaining when Jonaz Walton scored on a three yard run. Bachmeier was intercepted by Jayden Sanders on the next drive, but BYU forced a quick three and out to get the ball back. Bachmeier then led a 10 play, 55 yard drive to reclaim the lead.

CJ Carr tried to lead a late response for Notre Dame. He completed a fourth down pass to Micah Gilbert to reach the BYU nine yard line with four seconds left. His final pass into the end zone fell incomplete as time expired.

BYU coach Kalani Sitake said after the game, "They wanted some pressure, we gave it to them. And it worked out for us." Preston Rex added 66 rushing yards on 10 carries to help BYU start 6-0 for the third straight year and beat Notre Dame for the first time since 2004.

What it means for the next game

BYU Cougars at UCF Knights (College Football, Sat, 24 Oct): UCF Knights win 28%, BYU Cougars win 72%; projected score UCF Knights 20, BYU Cougars 26. Our safest pick: BYU to win.