In a dramatic finish that has Utah and Idaho fans buzzing, Brigham Young University (BYU) edged out Notre Dame 28‑24 on Saturday night. The victory not only secured a win against a storied opponent but also vaulted the Cougars into the No. 2 spot nationally, positioning them as a serious contender for the College Football Playoff.
Key moments and the controversial final play
The first half belonged to BYU, which built a comfortable lead through balanced offense and stout defense. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier—brother of former Boise State quarterback Hank Bachmeier—displayed poise, throwing for 224 yards and contributing a rushing touchdown. Notre Dame rallied in the second half, narrowing the gap and setting up a final drive that appeared to hinge on a potential pass‑interference call.
With the clock winding down, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr launched a pass to Jaden Greathouse, who fought a BYU defender for the ball. Replay officials initially ruled the play complete with no interference, but the Big 12 later issued a statement indicating that time remained on the clock when the ball struck the ground and that the replay crew had cleared the play incorrectly. The conference pledged a full review of its end‑of‑game officiating process before next week’s matchups.
Impact on the playoff picture
The win propels BYU into the second‑highest ranking in the nation, trailing only the Miami Hurricanes. Both teams benefited from a series of upsets that saw several high‑ranked programs fall on Saturday. With the Cougars now slated to travel to Central Florida for their next game, the victory adds momentum to their playoff aspirations.
Local reaction
Fans across Utah and neighboring Idaho celebrated the triumph, gathering at local sports bars and community centers to watch the game and discuss the implications. The win underscores the growing football culture in the Intermountain West, where college athletics serve as a rallying point for families and faith‑based communities.
Beyond the scoreboard, the game highlighted the importance of strong parental support and community involvement in youth sports. Many parents noted how the Cougars’ perseverance mirrors the values of hard work and dedication that families in the region cherish.
Looking ahead
As BYU prepares for its next challenge at the University of Central Florida, the team will aim to maintain its disciplined approach on both sides of the ball. Coach Kalani Sitake praised his players’ resilience and emphasized the need to stay focused amid the heightened national attention.
For Idaho and Utah supporters, the victory offers a source of pride and a reminder that regional teams can compete at the highest level of college football. The Cougars’ performance this weekend will likely be a talking point throughout the upcoming weeks as the playoff picture continues to take shape.
Original reporting: 580 KIDO Talk Radio (Boise) — read the source article.
