We all know the name Bear Bachmeier. If, by some miracle, Bachmeier were to become the second ever Heisman Trophy winner in BYU history or at least get invited to the ceremony, the path to that moment truly gained traction against the Fighting Irish on Saturday night. He was clearly the biggest hero from the 28-24 win by No. 8 BYU over No. 2 Notre Dame. Per Kirk Herbstreit on X, “(Bachmeier is) the FIRST FBS player in the past 30 years to throw, catch, and rush for TD against an AP TOP 5 opponent in the same game.”
He deserves all the praise and possible accolades that come with that special win and so far, special season for Bachmeier and BYU. But this is a moment to allow others into the spotlight. Let’s highlight six other players who played a massive role in BYU upsetting the Irish in the biggest win at LaVell Edwards Stadium maybe ever.
Preston Rex, RB
What if I told you that BYU would out-gain Notre Dame on the ground without reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin at running back? I would have been checked for signs of hallucinations or hypnosis. BYU did exactly that. Credit to offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick for getting creative. Of course, Bachmeier did his portion on the ground with 44 yards on 14 attempts and two touchdowns. But Rex needs his flowers. Most discounted the run game outside of Bachmeier against this vaunted Irish run defense. Instead, Rex averaged 6.6 yards per carry on 10 totes for 66 yards. He had two runs of at least 10 yards and gained three first downs. He provided enough of a variety in the run game for the Irish to have to think about someone other than Bear.
Kyler Kasper, WR
I almost listed Kasper as “WR/QB.” The double pass from Bachmeier to Kasper, who tossed it back to Bachmeier for a touchdown, was a thing of beauty. Not only was that a dime of a pass from a 6-foot-6 receiver, but Kasper was a huge player in the passing attack at his traditional receiver role as well. Getting eight targets, he hauled in six passes for 66 yards. He was clearly Bachmeier’s most reliable weapon in key spots as four of his six catches earned first downs. His passing touchdown combined with his skills as the tall receiver option for Bachmeier earned himself kudos here. What a pickup for Kalani Sitake, getting Kasper from Oregon in the transfer portal.
Bruce Mitchell, C
The offensive line never gets the love they deserve. All-Big 12 center Bruce Mitchell played one of his finest games as a Cougar. Per Pro Football Focus, Mitchell was BYU’s highest graded offensive lineman in the winning effort. in 38 pass blocking snaps, he didn’t even allow a single quarterback pressure, let alone sack or hit. He had a perfect day at the office in pass protection. He also provided a key block to spring Bachmeier free after he caught the double pass from Kasper. Mitchell’s block after getting to the outside gave Bachmeier a lane to run into the endzone.
Cade Uluave, LB
Uluave was BYU’s most important transfer this offseason. After earning All-ACC honors at Cal, Uluave came to Provo to essentially replace Jack Kelly, now in the NFL. He hasn’t just replaced Kelly on the field. He has been one of the biggest veteran leaders and most important locker room pieces for Sitake as well. All that was on display on Saturday night. He collected nine tackles, which led the team. He added a tackle for loss as well. He wasn’t just your typical off-ball linebacker either. He was BYU’s most effective pass rusher as well, leading the team with five QB pressures. He was everywhere, flying sideline-to-sideline.
Isaiah Glasker, LB
BYU might have the best linebacker duo in at least the Big 12 Conference with Uluave and Glasker. Glasker got hurt against TCU and missed the game against Iowa State. His status for the game was in doubt during the week. He played and made an enormous impact. He ended up being BYU’s highest graded defender per PFF. With six tackles and three pass breakups, Glasker was a menace.
Raider Damuni, S
Getting Damuni back from injury after he got hurt against Utah Tech was a huge boost to the defense. He didn’t miss a beat. In fact, he looked better than ever. Pro Football Focus has a stat called “stops” which is described as “ tackles that constitute a ‘failure’ for the offense.” Damuni led the team with six stops. That is twice as many as the next closest BYU defender. In coverage, he faced six targets from Notre Dame’s talented quarterback, CJ Carr. Damuni allowed just three catches in those six passes, totaling in a meager 12 yards for the Irish. Damuni was a big reason why the Notre Dame passing offense was limited for much of the game. He held their talented wideout Micah Gilbert to zero catches when the two were matched up, including Damuni’s lone pass breakup.
