BYU Stuns No. 2 Notre Dame, Rises to No. 2 Nationally

When BYU's football team toppled No. 2 Notre Dame on Saturday night, they didn't just win a game. They earned something far more valuable: nationwide respect.

The Cougars climbed to No. 2 in the Associated Press rankings after their 28-24 victory, with voters largely ignoring controversy about the game's ending. It's a stunning rise for a team that many national pundits predicted would lose easily.

"Yeah man, we were tired of being disrespected," said BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who outplayed Notre Dame's Heisman Trophy candidate CJ Carr. "We know who we are, and man, this was a great win for sure."

The victory felt even sweeter because BYU played without its top two running backs. Despite missing key players, the Cougars held Notre Dame to their worst defensive performance of the season, racking up 121 rushing yards when most teams managed fewer than 80.

Running back Preston Rex, who rushed for a career-high 66 yards, captured the team's newfound confidence perfectly. "If you come to our house, we're gonna defend it," he said. "We can play with anyone in the nation."

The win represents more than just a great night in Provo. Over the past three seasons, BYU has compiled a 29-4 record, the second-best winning percentage in college football behind only Indiana.

The Ripple Effect

BYU's victory lifted the entire Big 12 conference. After the game, four other Big 12 teams moved up in the rankings: Texas Tech to No. 8, Utah to No. 10, Houston to No. 14, and Arizona to No. 25.

National sports writer Stewart Mandel admitted he "sorely underestimated" the Cougars. His praise reflected a broader shift in how college football views BYU and the Big 12 conference, which critics often dismiss compared to the SEC and Big Ten.

Coach Kalani Sitake reminded his players to stay grounded despite the excitement. "We've got to be humble and hungry," he said after the game. "This is one game that we're really proud of, but we've got to find ways to get better."

The Cougars now face their biggest test: maintaining focus while carrying the weight of expectations. Their next game in Orlando against UCF will show whether Saturday's breakthrough was a one-time upset or the beginning of something bigger.

For now, the football world is watching Provo with new eyes and genuine respect.