Notre Dame prepares for high-altitude clash with No. 8 BYU in Provo
Notre Dame, unbeaten and ranked No. 2, heads to Provo to face No. 8 BYU, with coach Marcus Freeman highlighting the challenge of the altitude and the Cougars’ quarterback play.
Notre Dame enters Saturday’s game against No. 8 Brigham Young University in Provo with a perfect 6-0 record and an average winning margin of 33 points. Coach Marcus Freeman said the Irish are “on a revenge tour” after missing last season’s College Football Playoff and are seeking the program’s first national championship since 1988.
Freeman praised BYU’s “culture, physical play and pride,” noting the Cougars’ 28-4 record since early 2024 and nine second-half comeback victories. He highlighted quarterback Bear Bachmeier’s dual-threat ability, describing him as “big, try-to-run-you-over big” and capable of both passing and rushing.
The Irish will also have to adjust to Provo’s higher elevation. Freeman emphasized the importance of early hydration, proper fueling and recovery, saying the team must “educate our guys” for any away-game environment, whether it is altitude, heat or humidity.
Anticipating a noisy atmosphere at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Freeman said the team must prepare for crowd noise and let their execution dictate the outcome. “We love this, I love it, they love it,” he added, underscoring the program’s enthusiasm for challenging road games.