Herbstreit Highlights BYU Crowd Before Notre Dame Matchup
Kirk Herbstreit described BYU's LaVell Edwards Stadium crowd as underrated and intimidating during ESPN's College GameDay in Provo. He said Notre Dame's visit to face No. 8 BYU would be the unbeaten Irish's toughest challenge so far. BYU will play without running back LJ Martin, who is expected to miss four to six weeks with a lower-body injury.
Kirk Herbstreit used ESPN’s Provo broadcast to call BYU’s home setting among college football’s most overlooked and daunting. He credited students for camping near the set since midweek and said Notre Dame’s trip would test the unbeaten Irish more than any prior game.
BYU, ranked No. 8, will lack running back LJ Martin for four to six weeks because of a lower-body injury. That may increase responsibility on quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who ran for 100 yards and passed for 329 in a recent win. Notre Dame’s defense leads the nation in yards allowed per game.
This matchup could spotlight BYU’s game-day culture to a national audience, potentially boosting local businesses and student pride. For Notre Dame and BYU players, the heightened attention may add pressure and visibility, affecting NFL prospects and fan engagement. An injury to LJ Martin may shift expectations for BYU’s offense, reminding viewers how quickly college athletes’ seasons can change.