BYU Upsets Notre Dame in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · LaVell Edwards Stadium
Quick answers
Who won Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs BYU Cougars?
BYU Cougars beat Notre Dame Fighting Irish 28-24 at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs BYU Cougars?
Notre Dame Fighting Irish were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -410 (about 80% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at LaVell Edwards Stadium, the BYU Cougars pulled off a stunning upset against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, winning 28-24. This victory marks a significant achievement for BYU, who remains undefeated at home with a record of 6-0, while Notre Dame falls to 6-2 overall. The Cougars have demonstrated their prowess at home, boasting a perfect record and a strong average of 34.6 points scored in their last five games, while allowing just 13.4 points.
BYU's recent form has been impressive, with a five-game winning streak leading into this contest. Their last five games included victories against teams such as Iowa State, TCU, and Colorado State, showcasing their ability to score effectively and maintain a solid defense. In contrast, Notre Dame entered the game with a ten-game winning streak, having scored an average of 46.9 points while allowing only 11.8 points in their last ten games. Their recent victories included dominant performances against Stanford and Purdue, which highlighted their offensive capabilities.
The game was particularly noteworthy given the contrasting styles of play between the two teams. BYU, known for its balanced offensive attack, faced off against Notre Dame, a team that had been scoring at an impressive rate throughout the season. The Fighting Irish had a strong away record of 4-0, but the Cougars' home advantage proved decisive in this encounter.
In terms of previous meetings, this matchup was significant as both teams have a rich history in college football, but they had not faced each other recently. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere at LaVell Edwards Stadium was electric, with fans rallying behind the Cougars.
Injury concerns were minimal for both teams, allowing them to field their strongest lineups. This contributed to a high-quality contest where both sides showcased their best players. The betting market had favored Notre Dame, with DraftKings setting the spread at 10.5 points in favor of the Fighting Irish, indicating a strong belief in their ability to win. The total for the game was set at 47.5, reflecting expectations for a competitive scoring matchup.
Conditions for the game were favorable, with clear skies and a comfortable temperature, allowing both teams to execute their game plans effectively. Viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination, with BYU's defense ultimately making the crucial stops needed to secure the victory.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that BYU's home field advantage and their ability to perform under pressure were key factors in their success. The Cougars' ability to score in critical moments and their defensive resilience against a high-powered Notre Dame offense were on full display, making this game a memorable chapter in their season.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming matchup between the BYU Cougars and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is set to be a thrilling encounter, featuring two teams with impressive records. BYU enters this game with a perfect home record of 5-0, while Notre Dame boasts an undefeated away record of 6-0. This game will take place at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 17, 2026, starting at 23:30 UTC.
Both teams are currently in excellent form. The Cougars have won their last five games, with a scoring average of 34.6 points and allowing just 13.4 points per game during this stretch. Their recent victories include a dominant 63-7 win over the Utah Tech Trailblazers, a 28-17 win against the Arizona Wildcats, and a 24-10 victory over the Iowa State Cyclones. In total, BYU has scored 63, 28, 41, 17, and 24 points in their last five games, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
On the other hand, Notre Dame is riding a ten-game winning streak, scoring an average of 44.6 points and allowing only 10.6 points in their last five outings. Their recent performances include a staggering 58-7 win against the Stanford Cardinal, a 49-10 victory over the Purdue Boilermakers, and a 52-0 rout of the Rice Owls. The Fighting Irish have demonstrated their scoring prowess with scores of 58, 37, 49, 27, and 52 in their last five games.
When comparing their home and away performances, BYU has a strong home record, while Notre Dame has excelled on the road. The Cougars' home record stands at 5-0, with an overall record of 8-2 in their last ten games. Conversely, Notre Dame's away record is 4-0, contributing to their impressive overall record of 10-0 in the same span.
In terms of individual performances, BYU's Bear Bachmeier leads the team in passing with 1,033 yards, eight touchdowns, and one interception. LJ Martin has been a key player in the rushing department with 344 yards and three touchdowns, while Legend Glasker has contributed significantly in receiving with 378 yards and three touchdowns. For Notre Dame, CJ Carr has been exceptional, throwing for 1,378 yards, 16 touchdowns, and one interception. Jonaz Walton has rushed for 409 yards and two touchdowns, and Jordan Faison leads in receiving with 387 yards and four touchdowns.
The betting market reflects the competitive nature of this matchup, with DraftKings pricing Notre Dame as 10.5-point favorites. The total points line is set at 46.5, with odds of -115.0 for the over and -105.0 for the under. The moneyline shows BYU at +320.0 and Notre Dame at -410.0, indicating a strong belief in Notre Dame's ability to secure a victory.
Weather conditions for the game are expected to be favorable, with a temperature of 68°F, light winds gusting at 4 mph, and no precipitation predicted. These conditions should provide an excellent atmosphere for both teams to showcase their skills.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for how BYU's home advantage plays into their performance against a formidable Notre Dame team that has proven to be a scoring machine this season. Both teams have shown the ability to put points on the board, making this matchup one to keep an eye on.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ND -10.5 | 47.5 o -108 / u -112 | Notre Dame Fighting Irish -410 · BYU Cougars +320 |
Leaders
- Passing yardsBear Bachmeier23/36, 224 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INTBYU Cougars
- Rushing yardsPreston Rex10 CAR, 66 YDSBYU Cougars
- Receiving yardsKyler Kasper6 REC, 66 YDSBYU Cougars
- Passing yardsCJ Carr27/49, 261 YDSNotre Dame Fighting Irish
- Rushing yardsNolan James Jr.16 CAR, 77 YDS, 1 TDNotre Dame Fighting Irish
- Receiving yardsJaden Greathouse8 REC, 125 YDSNotre Dame Fighting Irish
Recent form
BYU Cougars
Last 10: 8-2Streak W529.8 scored · 17.8 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W24-10vs Iowa State CyclonesOct 10
- W17-10at TCU Horned FrogsOct 3
- W41-23at Colorado State RamsSep 20
- W28-17vs Arizona WildcatsSep 12
- W63-7vs Utah Tech TrailblazersSep 6
- L7-34at Texas Tech Red RaidersDec 6
- W41-21vs UCF KnightsNov 29
- W26-14at Cincinnati BearcatsNov 23
- W44-13vs TCU Horned FrogsNov 16
- L7-29at Texas Tech Red RaidersNov 8
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1046.9 scored · 11.8 allowed per game4-0 away
- W58-7vs Stanford CardinalOct 10
- W37-26at North Carolina Tar HeelsOct 3
- W49-10at Purdue BoilermakersSep 26
- W27-10vs Michigan State SpartansSep 19
- W52-0vs Rice OwlsSep 12
- W41-13vs Wisconsin BadgersSep 6
- W49-20at Stanford CardinalNov 30
- W70-7vs Syracuse OrangeNov 22
- W37-15at Pittsburgh PanthersNov 15
- W49-10vs Navy MidshipmenNov 9
Standings
| Team | Overall | In conference |
|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame | 6-1 | 0-0 |
| UConn | 3-3 | 0-0 |
| BYU | 6-0 | 3-0 |
| Texas Tech | 6-0 | 3-0 |
| Utah | 5-0 | 2-0 |
| Houston | 6-1 | 3-1 |
| Arizona | 5-1 | 2-1 |
| Baylor | 4-2 | 2-1 |
| Oklahoma State | 4-2 | 2-1 |
| Cincinnati | 4-2 | 1-2 |
| UCF | 3-3 | 1-2 |
| Kansas State | 4-2 | 1-2 |
| Arizona State | 3-3 | 1-2 |
| Iowa State | 3-3 | 1-2 |
| TCU | 3-3 | 1-2 |
| West Virginia | 4-3 | 1-3 |
| Colorado | 2-3 | 0-2 |
| Kansas | 2-4 | 0-3 |
Box score
| Stat | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | BYU Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 22 | 23 |
| Third downs | 8-19 | 8-12 |
| Fourth downs | 4-4 | 0-1 |
| Total yards | 376 | 360 |
| Net passing yards | 261 | 239 |
| Completions | 27/49 | 24/37 |
| Yards per pass | 5.3 | 6.5 |
| Rushing yards | 115 | 121 |
| Rushing attempts | 30 | 30 |
| Yards per rush | 3.8 | 4.0 |
| Penalties | 4-40 | 4-35 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Fumbles lost | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions thrown | 0 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 30:58 | 29:02 |
Win probability
Above the line favours BYU Cougars, below favours Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Venue
- LaVell Edwards StadiumProvo, UT
Elsewhere
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