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Notre Dame football’s championship ambitions took a painful hit in Provo. However, the Fighting Irish still have plenty of football left to play. Their 28-24 loss to BYU ended their undefeated start and exposed the problems that can derail even the most talented teams. For head coach Marcus Freeman, the immediate challenge is helping his players process the disappointment and demanding meaningful improvements in practice. Quarterback CJ Carr showed he could move the offense through the air. The Irish demonstrated enough offensive firepower to compete with a quality opponent. Their inability to finish drives, protect the football, and secure a decisive defensive stop ultimately proved costly. The loss will sting, but the response could determine whether the Irish remain serious contenders for the College Football Playoff or not.
Fix the red-zone offense
Notre Dame’s most urgent priority is converting promising possessions into touchdowns. Carr threw for 344 yards against BYU. He gave the Irish enough production through the air to win a difficult road game. Their finishing ability ultimately let them down, though. Red-zone miscues and a costly first-half fumble prevented them from building a comfortable advantage.
Freeman must examine the play-calling inside the 20-yard line. Notre Dame needs more dependable answers against compressed defenses, including quicker throws, creative formations and opportunities for Nolan James Jr. to attack favorable matchups. James’ rushing touchdown demonstrated his value near the goal line. The Irish should build more of their scoring package around his versatility.
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Ball security also demands immediate attention. Every turnover gives an opponent an opportunity to steal momentum, particularly in a close road contest. Carr must protect the football. Their offensive line and skill-position players need to execute their assignments with greater consistency.
The upcoming game against Navy on October 31 gives Notre Dame time to address those problems during its next two weeks of preparation. The Irish must also prepare for Navy’s disciplined option offense. That can punish defensive mistakes and control possession.
Tighten defensive discipline
Notre Dame’s defensive performance requires a similarly thorough review. The Irish allowed BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier to lead the decisive scoring drive. That culminated in a go-ahead touchdown pass to Parker Walker with 1:47 remaining. Notre Dame had opportunities to force another possession and preserve its lead. However, the defense could not deliver the necessary stop.
Freeman must emphasize gap discipline, tackling fundamentals, and situational awareness. Defenders need to maintain their assignments when opponents use motion, misdirection and quarterback runs to create confusion. Against Navy, those fundamentals will be especially important because the Midshipmen’s option attack places considerable pressure on defensive decision-making.
Notre Dame football also needs to improve its response when an opponent takes control late. The defense should be better prepared for two-minute situations, third-down conversions, and goal-line stands. The Irish have enough defensive talent to make the necessary adjustments. Their task now is translating that potential into consistent execution across all four quarters.
Turn heartbreak into fuel
A single defeat can become a valuable turning point when a team responds with purpose. Notre Dame football still has significant opportunities ahead. Those include its October 31 meeting with Navy and a November 7 showdown against Miami. The latter could carry enormous postseason implications. That makes the remaining schedule an important test of the Irish’s championship credentials.
The expanded College Football Playoff provides a realistic path back into contention for a one-loss Notre Dame team. Its national reputation and remaining schedule offer opportunities to strengthen its résumé. Of course, that’s provided the Irish produce convincing performances against quality opponents.
Freeman’s leadership will be central to that recovery. He must keep the locker room focused, demand accountability, and ensure the BYU loss becomes a teaching moment. Carr and the offense need to finish drives. The defense must improve its late-game execution. Their entire roster must approach the next stretch with renewed urgency. Notre Dame’s undefeated record is gone, and the disappointment in Provo will linger. Still, the season itself remains full of possibility.
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