Five Things that Must Happen for BYU to Beat Notre Dame

Five key factors must align for BYU to pull off an upset victory against Notre Dame in their upcoming clash at LaVell Edwards Stadium. First and foremost, BYU's defense must keep pace with Notre Dame's formidable attack, both in terms of rushing and passing plays. The Irish have proven themselves among the top teams in the nation in these areas, and a dominant early performance could put the game out of reach for the Cougars.

Second, BYU needs to maintain a favorable turnover margin. Having more takeaways than their opponent can provide their offense with opportunities to score, while giving the Irish extra possessions could prove detrimental. Currently, BYU ranks 25th in turnover margin at +4, but Notre Dame ranks second best at +13.

Third, BYU's passing game must be effective and explosive. With the absence of LJ Martin, the Irish will likely approach the game without respect for their opponents' run game. If BYU can open up the passing game with big plays, such as a crucial reception to Legend Glasker, they can disrupt Notre Dame's defensive strategy and force the opposing defense to shift their attention, giving the Cougars a better chance to run the ball.

Fourth, BYU must capitalize on opportunities in the red zone. Converting red zone trips to touchdowns is crucial for BYU's chances of victory. Currently, BYU's conversion rate stands at 73.4%, which is 19th-best in the nation. While a few field goals are better than none, scoring touchdowns will be essential for a big upset win.

Finally, BYU's defensive front must put pressure on Notre Dame's quarterback, CJ Carr. With Carr being one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in college football when blitzed, the Cougars' pass rush, led by Keanu Tanuvasa, Bodie Schoonover, Nusi Taumoepeau, and Tausili Akana, must be effective in generating pressure. This pressure could potentially disrupt Carr's decision-making and force mistakes, increasing BYU's chances of winning the game.