Episode Details

BYU football stunned the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with a program-defining victory, vaulting to No. 2 in the national rankings for the first time since their 1984 championship season. Are the BYU Cougars ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with college football’s elite? Host Jake Hatch takes listeners inside one of the most hotly contested matchups of the year, spotlighting Kalani Sitake’s steady leadership and the team’s transformation into a "big boy" football program. With Walker Lyons emerging as a premier tight end prospect and Bear Bachmeier delivering punishment as much as he receives, BYU’s offensive identity and depth shine against the Irish, even in the face of adversity like LJ Martin’s absence.

Jake addresses the controversies swirling around the game’s final moments—debated pass interference and time left on the clock—but makes it clear these factors didn’t define the outcome. Instead, BYU’s dominance in the trenches, with the offensive line led by rising star Bott Mulitalo and coach TJ Woods, stood out as they matched or surpassed Notre Dame’s celebrated front. Sustained, multi-play touchdown drives—11, 10, 8, and 10 plays—expose the Fighting Irish defense, previously ranked No. 1 but untested by BYU’s offensive firepower. Legendary goal line packages featuring nine offensive linemen and the bruising running of Bachmeier underscore the Cougars’ newfound physicality.

Analysis goes further, with Jake’s film review emphasizing “four-point plays” and BYU’s efficiency in the red zone, outpacing Notre Dame when it mattered most. He gives credit to defensive coaching from Kelly Poppinga and an offense expertly coordinated by Aaron Roderick, whose creative game plan neutralized the Irish’s strengths. Jake celebrates Legend Glasker’s rapid development at wide receiver and points to a roster capable of sustaining excellence deep into the season. With this win, BYU’s perception among national pundits and playoff committees should undergo a radical shift—a fact not lost on fans and rivals alike.

Jake rounds out the show with a detailed look at the Big 12 landscape, highlighting Houston Cougars’ upset of Oklahoma State, Utah’s nail-biting escape against Colorado, and West Virginia’s shootout win over Cincinnati. He questions what’s behind Arizona State’s struggles, Baylor’s slide, and notes Kansas State’s continued ownership in the Sunflower Showdown. With College GameDay set for Utah’s next matchup, the stage is set for more intrigue in a chaotic, unpredictable Big 12 Conference race. Don’t miss this deep analysis of BYU’s perception-altering victory and its seismic impact on the season’s College Football Playoff picture.

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. 

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will n