By Luke Fletcher ｜ Ft Collins, Colorado

The much-anticipated clash between No. 2 Notre Dame (6-0) and No. 8 BYU (5-0) at LaVell Edwards Stadium is set to be a thrilling encounter with significant College Football Playoff stakes. With both teams undefeated, a national audience tuning in, and a charged stadium atmosphere, this game could have a lasting impact on the season ahead. On Saturday night in Provo, Utah, the Fighting Irish will look to bolster their championship aspirations, while the Cougars aim to establish themselves as a force in college football. Adding to the excitement, ESPN’s College GameDay is returning to Provo, marking the first-ever top-10 matchup at LaVell Edwards Stadium, making this event even more monumental.

Notre Dame: A National Championship Contender Facing Its Toughest Test

Head coach Marcus Freeman has the Fighting Irish looking like one of the top football teams in the country. As they head into Saturday’s game, Notre Dame boasts an impressive average of 44 points scored per game while allowing only 11. Their offense is versatile, effectively attacking both through the air and on the ground, and their defense has been solid in controlling the line of scrimmage. Last week’s 58-7 victory over Stanford showcased just how formidable the Irish can be. Quarterback CJ Carr has stepped up as a key player, racking up 1,378 passing yards and 16 touchdowns with just one interception in six games. Running back Jonaz Walton adds a dynamic element to the offense, and receiver Jordan Faison has become a dependable target. However, the Irish are about to face a different kind of challenge in Provo. The high altitude, the raucous crowd, the intensity of a top-10 matchup, and the pressure of a nationally televised night game will test Notre Dame’s ability to stay composed. While Freeman’s squad has shown it can dominate, Saturday’s game will be a true test of their resilience against a determined opponent.

BYU: An Opportunity to Shock the College Football World

For head coach Kalani Sitake, Saturday is more than just another chance to keep the winning streak alive; it’s a moment to make a mark on the national stage. BYU has quietly put together an impressive 5-0 record, positioning itself as a serious contender for the Big 12 championship. Coming off a solid 24-10 win against Iowa State, the Cougars demonstrated their defensive strength and ability to control the game’s tempo. They’re allowing only 13.4 points per game while racking up over 220 rushing yards on average. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier has been a steady leader, and running back LJ Martin has helped shape the team’s tough identity. Unlike teams that rely heavily on big passing plays, BYU excels at maintaining possession, winning field position, and capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes. This strategy could work well against a Notre Dame squad that often plays with a comfortable lead. Additionally, the Cougars will benefit from the emotional boost of playing at LaVell Edwards Stadium, a notoriously tough venue for visitors. With College GameDay in attendance and a top-10 team across the field, the atmosphere is set to be electric.

Three Keys to the Game

1. Can BYU establish the running game? The Cougars’ best chance is to make this a physical, possession-oriented contest. LJ Martin and the BYU offensive line must generate consistent rushing production and keep Notre Dame’s offense on the sidelines. If the Cougars are forced into obvious passing situations, the Irish defensive front could take control.

2. Will Notre Dame’s offensive balance overwhelm BYU? CJ Carr gives the Irish the ability to stretch the field, while their rushing attack forces defenses to respect the line of scrimmage. BYU cannot afford to become one-dimensional defensively. Limiting explosive plays and forcing Notre Dame into sustained drives will be essential.

3. Can Notre Dame survive the atmosphere? Saturday’s environment could be BYU’s greatest advantage. An early turnover, a special teams mistake or a handful of false-start penalties could completely change the game’s momentum. Notre Dame must remain disciplined, particularly if BYU takes an early lead.

A Matchup With History

Notre Dame leads the all-time series 7-2, including a 28-20 victory in the schools’ most recent meeting in Las Vegas in 2022. However, BYU has a memorable victory of its own. The last time Notre Dame visited Provo, in 2004, the Cougars defeated the Irish 20-17.

More than two decades later, BYU has another opportunity to deliver a signature victory on its home field. Both programs also carry memories of the 2025 College Football Playoff selection process, when each narrowly missed the postseason. That disappointment adds another layer of significance to Saturday’s meeting

The key matchup to watch is BYU’s rushing game against Notre Dame’s tough defense. BYU boasts one of the top rushing offenses in the country, averaging 223.8 yards per game, but they’ll be missing star running back LJ Martin due to injury. This puts more pressure on dual-threat quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who will need to step up his ground game. On the other side, Notre Dame’s defense is formidable, allowing only 58.3 rushing yards and 11.0 points per game, thanks to a strong linebacker corps and skilled defensive backs like Don Shuler, Leonard Moore, and Christian Gray, who are great at preventing big plays.

In the quarterback showdown, CJ Carr from Notre Dame faces off against BYU’s Bear Bachmeier. Carr, a freshman, has been thriving under offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, leading a versatile offense with talented receivers like Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse. He’ll need to keep his cool in a challenging away game against a fierce BYU defense. Meanwhile, Bachmeier is coming off an impressive outing against Iowa State, where he racked up 329 passing yards and 109 rushing yards. His ability to make plays on the fly will be crucial as he faces the relentless pressure from Notre Dame’s defensive front.

BYU has a real shot at pulling off a major upset against Notre Dame this Saturday night. Even though the odds and analytics lean heavily towards the Fighting Irish, BYU can turn the tables by leveraging their strengths and the electric atmosphere at LaVell Edwards Stadium. While Notre Dame comes in ranked No. 2, rankings won’t dictate the outcome when the game kicks off. The Cougars have what it takes to create one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 college football season, thanks to their strong running game, a defense that knows how to seize opportunities, an undefeated record, and a home-field advantage that can intimidate any opponent.

To secure the win, BYU needs to establish their running game right from the start, minimize Notre Dame’s big plays, and push the Irish into a tough fourth-quarter situation. Expect LJ Martin to be key in maintaining possession, while quarterback Bear Bachmeier steps up to make crucial plays when the pressure is on. Although Notre Dame’s quarterback CJ Carr will likely shine at times and the Irish have the offensive firepower to take the lead, BYU’s defense and the support from their home crowd will keep them competitive throughout the game. As the clock winds down in the fourth quarter, look for BYU to execute a game-changing touchdown drive, followed by a final defensive stand to seal the deal.

In the end, I predict BYU will edge out Notre Dame with a score of 31-27. This victory would not only keep the Cougars undefeated but also position them as serious contenders for the Big 12 championship and the College Football Playoff. For BYU, this game is more than just another win; it’s a chance to achieve a signature victory that could elevate their season from great to historic. Despite being 10.5-point underdogs, BYU’s consistent defense, physical play style, and the advantage of playing at home provide them with a legitimate path to victory.

The pick: BYU 31, Notre Dame 27 — the Cougars deliver the biggest victory of Kalani Sitake’s tenure.