BYU, Big 12 Use Social Media to Jab Notre Dame After Upset
BYU and the Big 12 mocked Notre Dame on social media after the Cougars' upset win in Provo. The posts referenced Notre Dame's decision to skip a Pop-Tarts Bowl matchup with BYU last season and noted that Pat McAfee and Steve Young had predicted the result. After Notre Dame erased an 11-point halftime deficit to take a late lead, BYU answered with Bear Bachmeier's touchdown pass to Walker Lyons.
BYU, ranked eighth, defeated second-ranked Notre Dame in Provo. Afterward, the Cougars’ social accounts highlighted that ESPN’s Pat McAfee and BYU alumnus Steve Young had forecast the result on College GameDay. The Big 12 and other observers also brought up Notre Dame’s previous decision not to face BYU in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
The game turned after BYU led by 11 at halftime. Notre Dame moved ahead 24-21 on Jonaz Walton’s three-yard scoring run and his successful two-point try. Bear Bachmeier then connected with Walker Lyons for the winning touchdown with 1:47 left. Other top teams lost, so BYU may reach its best AP ranking since 1984.
This result and the social-media exchanges may amplify college football’s realignment-era tensions, drawing more attention to BYU, the Big 12, and Notre Dame. Fans, recruits, and media could see bowl opt-outs and rankings debates as ongoing storylines, while athletes involved may gain visibility. The banter may also fuel online engagement and conference pride, though its broader societal effect is likely limited to sports culture and fan communities.