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BYU hosts Notre Dame as Cougars chase signature win in the 1st top-10 game at LaVell Edwards Stadium: news

12-10-2026

BYU Hosts Notre Dame in Historic First Top-10 Clash at LaVell Edwards Stadium

Provo is set to take center stage in the college football world this Saturday as the undefeated, No. 8 BYU Cougars host the No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first-ever top-10 matchup in LaVell Edwards Stadium history. Adding to the spectacle, ESPN’s College GameDay will broadcast live from the campus, marking its return to Provo for the marquee showdown.

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A Historic Milestone for BYU Football

BYU enters the contest at 5–0 following a gritty 24–10 victory over Iowa State, securing their third consecutive 5–0 start to a season. Under head coach Kalani Sitake, the Cougars have surged into College Football Playoff contention behind a suffocating defense and explosive offensive playmaking. A home victory against a national powerhouse like Notre Dame would provide BYU with the defining signature win of its Big 12 era and dramatically elevate its postseason trajectory.

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Fighting Irish Bring Championship Caliber to Provo

Notre Dame travels west riding dominant momentum, highlighted by a 58–7 dismantling of Stanford and an elite defense ranked among the nation’s best. Led by head coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish boast a potent, balanced attack and look to solidify their position at the top of the national rankings. The Irish lead the all-time series 7–2, having taken the last meeting 28–20 in Las Vegas during the 2022 Shamrock Series. However, this marks Notre Dame’s first trip to Provo since 2004, when BYU claimed a memorable 20–17 upset.

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Key Matchup Factors

Quarterback Play & Line of Scrimmage: BYU must protect against Notre Dame’s aggressive front seven, which consistently generates negative plays and pressure.
Turnover Margin: With both defenses excelling in short-field situations, ball security will serve as the primary barometer for control.
The Provo Altitude & Stadium Atmosphere: Over 63,000 fans under the Wasatch Mountains will create one of the most hostile road environments the Irish have encountered all season.