Primetime in Provo: Notre Dame Faces Its Toughest Test Yet Against BYU
Marcus Freeman is set to take the Fighting Irish under the lights in Provo, Utah, marking their first real test of the season in a game that could shape Notre Dame's season.
Photo by USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
With College Gameday in town, a 7:30 EST kickoff, and No. 2 Notre Dame playing at No. 8 BYU, there is no shying away from the fact that this is a massive game for both teams. For Notre Dame, this is the exact opportunity that the team and its fans have been waiting for this season. The Irish have yet to be challenged this season, leaving the entire country eager to figure out just how good this team is. For BYU, the program seems motivated to finally prove that they have elevated from a good team to a team that can beat anyone in the country, especially a team that elected to decline an invitation to play them in last year's Pop-Tart Bowl.
For the Irish defense, it starts with limiting BYU's star QB Bear Bachmeier. He is the engine that makes this Cougars' offense run, especially with their running back room being as depleted as it is. Bachmeier is one of the toughest playmakers to stop in the country, as he is a constant threat to beat defenses through the air and on the ground. Through the air, he has been efficient all year, getting the ball to his tight ends and playmakers in space without turning the ball over much. In five contests, he has thrown for just over 1,000 yards, eight touchdowns, and just one pick.
Bachmeier's legs are what really make him hard to beat, however. It starts with his ability to manipulate the pocket and extend plays when he needs to. Notre Dame will surely try to get pressure, but the question will be whether they can successfully bring him down. On designed QB runs, he is a big, physical runner who is capable of breaking multiple tackles, so the Irish linebackers and defensive backs will have to be ready to tackle in space. This season, Bachmeier has accounted for 239 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
The threat that Bachmeier presents is going to put a lot of the defensive responsibilities on the Notre Dame linebackers. While the defensive line is busy stopping the run and applying pressure and the secondary is stopping the pass, the linebackers will have to be the ones to stop Bachmeier. Whether it's Jaylen Sneed or Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame's ability to spy the QB and limit the amount he runs will be crucial to their success.
Luckily for Notre Dame, BYU's star running back LJ Martin will miss this game due to injury. Martin was a huge part of their success last season, running for 1,300 yards. This season, he was averaging a staggering 7.8 yards per carry before the injury. This is a huge loss for the Cougars, as Martin was the staple of a physical offense. Even without Martin, that physicality is not going anywhere. BYU's offense relies on getting their physical playmakers out in space. They have willing blockers at wide receiver and talented pass-catchers at tight end. With all of this, they want to match their opponent's speed with size and strength and force smaller defensive backs to tackle in space.
On the offensive side of the ball, CJ Carr's plate is going to be full as well. The Cougars' defense loves to get after the QB in unique and creative ways. Not only do they blitz often, but they do a great job of disguising the pressure, making it hard for opposing QBs to identify. Carr has been great this season at being able to make checks at the line to alter the play call or protection, which will be critical in a game like this. BYU defensive end Tausili Akana ranks third in the Big 12 in sacks, making him a player the Irish will need to look out for. Overall, BYU ranks high in most defensive categories. This will, without a doubt, be the toughest test for a Notre Dame offense that has played a bit inconsistently at times. Carr will have to be sharp, and the revitalized run game will have to show up against a defense that excels at stopping the run.
Lastly, Notre Dame will have to be ready for a raucous crowd and a team motivated to prove a point on the biggest stage. Provo is known to be a deceptively tough place to play, and when Notre Dame is in town, it will surely be at its best. The players of BYU will also have more to play for. BYU is in a similar boat to Notre Dame. They also believe they were unjustly left out of the CFP last season, causing them to go on their own "leave no doubt" campaign. On the Notre Dame side, this will be an adjustment game for them. BYU will be the first team that tests them physically. Notre Dame will have to be ready for that change of pace before it is too late. All in all, BYU will have the environment, the players, the coaches, and the motivation to beat Notre Dame if the Irish do not bring their best. Either way, Provo, Utah, is the site of what looks to be one of the most intriguing matchups of the season thus far.
Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here to support our independent journalism.
Follow The Irish Tribune on social media:
Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list and get every story in your inbox.
Check out our Irish partners:
TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here!
Comments