Takeaways from Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman previewing BYU

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Takeaways from Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman previewing BYU

Notre Dame football will face its toughest test so far in the 2026 season on Saturday, as it will travel to Provo, Utah to take on the BYU Cougars.

Both teams are ranked in the top-8 of the US LBM Coaches Poll, and neither has suffered a loss yet. The Irish are 6-0, with the Cougars 5-0, putting plenty of eyes on the game, one that ESPN’s College GameDay will be present for.

As Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman does every game-week Monday, he met with the media to wrap up the Irish’s win over Stanford and preview the game against BYU. Check out below my top takeaways from what the leader of Notre Dame’s program said.

Notre Dame did a great job against Stanford

Freeman loved seeing turnovers and then making them into points. The defense, special teams and offense were all clicking, as he seemed very happy with the outcome. Freeman really liked the fact that some of the young players got plenty of game time, setting up the future for the Irish.

BYU has great culture

Freeman knows about building culture, it’s something that he’s done during his time in South Bend. He noted that the Cougars have been very consistent over the past few years, and are extremely though at home. Freeman said their offense starts with the quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, who was recruited by the Irish. On defense, they rotate plenty on the line, but this game is about Notre Dame, the preparation will have them ready.

The film backs up how much of a test BYU will be for Notre Dame

Freeman knows that the high ranking could be misleading, but doesn’t think that’s a case this weekend. BYU will be a tough challenge, but he’ll make sure that the team is prepared for Saturday. The routine will be a bit different, as not many have experience a game in Provo. That will be a challenge in itself.

Jaden Greathouse has made plays when opportunity presents itself

This recent good stretch from Greathouse isn’t due to anything but him making plays when he has the chance. Freeman said his consistency in preparation has put him in positions to make those plays, and “he’s played extremely well all year long.”

Key to beat BYU’s defensive front

The communication by the Irish offensive line will be key, as they’ll “have to communicate really well.” A lot of that emphasis will fall on quarterback CJ Carr and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. The line will have to be physical to beat the Cougars, and it seems like Freeman has plenty of confidence that his group can accomplish that.

Freeman on running back rotation

There isn’t much unknown by the backs as to when they’ll go in, as they have a plan and go out and execute. Sure, there will be times when you want to play the hot hand, but Freeman wants his players to be as prepared as possible and that includes letting them know about how they’ll be used. As a player, it’s hard not to be comfortable knowing the offenses exact plan.

The competitor comes out in games like this for Notre Dame

The competitor comes out in games like this, and Freeman knows that BYU is the best team on paper that they’ve faced so far this year. “There something when you go on the road, it’s us against everybody,” as he relishes this kind of environment. It’s great to hear that Freeman and the team loves games like this, especially on the road. It hasn’t been pretty for the Irish in top-10 road matchups recently, and Freeman would love to change that.

Bear Bachmeier’s legs could be a problem for Notre Dame

“He’s the real deal, he’s big… like try to run you over big,” was how Freeman described Bachmeier. He knows that it will be a tough challenge, as he’s also a threat with his arm. Freeman mentioned that there could be increased usage with Bachmeier’s legs due to starting running back LJ Martin being ruled out.

Execution will dictate crowd noise for Notre Dame

When asked about the potential for crowd noise, Freeman completely embraced it. He knows that his team’s execution will dictate the noise, but went on to say “this is what Notre Dame does… I love it, they love it. This is exactly what we are at Notre Dame.” This is a great attitude for a high-profile game, and there is no fear in the Irish.

Defenses have tried to confuse Notre Dame’s CJ Carr

Freeman was asked about coverages that defenses have run against the Irish offense, and how they’ve been trying to confuse quarterback CJ Carr. “We are seeing a lot of different coverages that we might not have seen in the past,” but made one point very clear, it doesn’t matter if you can run the ball. The backs have been much more productive over the last few weeks, and the passing game will simplify for Carr as it continues to develop.

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Takeaways from Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman previewing BYU

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