- Matchup: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs BYU Cougars
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Venue: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
- Broadcast: ABC
- Odds/Point Spread: Cougars (+9.5)
- Total/Over-Under: 47
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The BYU Cougars (5-0) will host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-0) on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Notre Dame enters this contest as 9.5-point favorites according to Vegas odds. The game’s total has been set at 47 points.
Currently boasting a 6-0 record, the Fighting Irish last faced the Stanford Cardinal, securing a decisive victory with a score of 58-7. In terms of defense, Notre Dame allowed 58 rushing yards on 21 attempts, averaging 2.8 yards per carry. Additionally, they permitted 12 completions on 23 attempts for a total of 144 passing yards, with a completion rate of 52.2%. The Fighting Irish executed 74 offensive plays, accruing a total of 598 yards. Their ground game was particularly strong, registering 361 rushing yards on 47 carries, averaging 7.7 yards per rush.
Throughout the season, the Fighting Irish have amassed a total of 2,740 yards. In the scoring department, Notre Dame has achieved 17 passing touchdowns and 15 rushing touchdowns while only turning the ball over once. The team has recorded 135 first downs and incurred 18 penalties totaling 166 yards. They rank 37th in Division 1, averaging 194.8 rushing yards per game, and are scoring an impressive 44.0 points per contest.
On defense, Notre Dame ranks 4th nationally, allowing only 11.0 points per game. They’ve restricted opponents to an average of 2.1 yards per rush and only 58.3 yards on the ground per contest this season. Altogether, they’ve surrendered 350 rushing yards over six games. In the passing department, the Fighting Irish have allowed 935 yards, placing them 25th in college football, giving up 155.8 passing yards per game and a completion percentage of 60.7%. Overall, their total yardage allowed is 214.2 per contest, ranking them 1st in the nation. They have given up 6 touchdowns through the air and 1 on the ground.
The BYU Cougars have also enjoyed a perfect start to the season at 5-0. In their latest game, they defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 24-10. BYU averaged 5.7 yards per rush, totaling 177 yards on 31 carries. The Cougars ended the game with 506 total yards, running 61 plays with an average of 8.3 yards per play. Defensively, they allowed a completion percentage of 55.2%, giving up 98 yards on 16 of 29 passes. Against the run, BYU allowed 102 yards on 27 carries, averaging 3.8 yards per rush.
The Cougars have recorded an average of 433.4 yards per game, ranking 44th in Division 1. BYU has amassed 284 penalty yards on 33 infractions, ranking 90th in college football. They have a strong running game, averaging 223.8 rushing yards per game, totaling 1,119 yards this season. Their offense has committed 2 interceptions and 1 fumble, recording 100 first downs. The Cougars are scoring 34.6 points per game this season, placing them 46th nationally. In the passing department, they have thrown for a total of 1,048 yards, averaging 209.6 passing yards per game while ranking 88th in Division 1.
On defense, BYU has conceded 402 rushing yards (80.4 yards per game), allowing 3 rushing touchdowns this year. They have given up 5 passing touchdowns and an average of 174.0 passing yards per game, putting them at 27th in the nation. This season, BYU has allowed a total of 67 points. Their defense has made 1 fumble recovery and recorded 6 interceptions. They have participated in 294 plays, which ranks 8th in college football. BYU allows just 13.4 points per game, positioning them 10th in Division 1.
Who is favored to win the college football clash between the Fighting Irish and Cougars against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on the Cougars +9.5
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