PRIME TIME: Notre Dame Expert Reveals BYU Football's Biggest Challenges Against the Fighting Irish | Locked On Crossover

BYU football braces for their biggest home game in decades as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish roll into Provo for a primetime, top-10 college football clash that could alter the national landscape. With College GameDay in town and ticket prices skyrocketing, the stakes couldn’t be higher—can Kalani Sitake’s squad seize the moment and finally break through against a storied power like Notre Dame? Will Bear Bachmeier’s dynamic playmaking and a raucous, sold-out crowd deliver a statement win that plants the BYU Cougars firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation, or will the Irish spoil the party with their signature composure under the lights? Hosts Jake Hatch and Tyler Wojciak provide a fast-paced, insight-packed preview of the most anticipated BYU home game since 1990’s Miami upset, breaking down every angle that will decide college football’s game of the week. The hosts take listeners behind the scenes of a rivalry years in the making, comparing both teams’ recent dominance—BYU’s 32-4 record since 2024, Notre Dame’s relentless pursuit of the CFP—and why this matchup carries more weight than any regular season contest in the Big 12 this year. Key storylines include how Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr has matured into a difference-maker, his chemistry with top wideout Jordan Faison, and the rise of freshman running back Jonaz Walton as the Irish reshape their offensive identity. The hosts dissect Notre Dame’s offensive shift toward more passing to complement their ground game, while noting that Walton appears primed for his first featured role in a hostile environment. On the BYU side, can quarterback Bear Bachmeier replicate his dual-threat heroics from the Iowa State game, especially with star back LJ Martin sidelined? Will BYU’s tight ends Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga exploit vulnerabilities in Notre Dame’s otherwise stingy defense? Defensive chess matches dominate the conversation, with both teams’ front sevens—featuring standouts like Tausili Akana, Nusi Taumoepeau, and Keanu Tanuvasa—looking to dictate terms in the trenches. Which offensive line will hold up under pressure, and who can generate the key turnovers in a game where field position and crowd energy may be decisive? The hosts close with bold predictions, highlighting what each team must do to control the tempo, overcome adversity, and possibly launch a Heisman campaign for Bachmeier. Will BYU assert itself as a true national contender, or does Notre Dame’s tradition and grit win out in Provo’s unforgettable Saturday night showdown?