Tomorrow night, Notre Dame's offense faces its toughest test of 2026 up to this point. Through their first six games, they've averaged 41.2 points per game, 428.4 yards per game, 6.6 yards per play and have only turned the ball over once. BYU's defense is going to test the Irish offense in all four of those areas Saturday night. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock will have to have these guys ready to go in primetime. Here are the three biggest storylines, two crucial battles and one player to watch in Saturday night's Top 10 showdown in LaVell Edwards Stadium.

THREE BIGGEST STORYLINES

1. Battle In The Trenches

This game is going to come down to who can establish the line of scrimmage. From top to bottom, BYU doesn't have the overall talent on the defensive line that Notre Dame has on the offensive line. But what they do have is a bunch of high-motor, disciplined and physical guys that can come at you in waves. The are multiple with their fronts, run twists and stunts and will attack you from several different angles. The Notre Dame offensive line needs to be ready for all wrinkles that the Cougar defensive line with throw their way. Everything for the Irish on offense will start up front.

2. Carr's Biggest Test Of 2026

Through six games, the Saline, Michigan quarterback has put on really, really good performances. CJ Carr was steady in the season opener against Wisconsin, money in the home opener against Rice and had arguably his best game overall in a Notre Dame uniform against North Carolina on the road. But none of those opponents bring the same pressure as BYU on the road. This is going to be Carr's biggest test of the season thus far. As we know, a lot of what they do on offense runs through the 6-2, 215-pound signal caller. He'll have to be on his A-game tomorrow night.

3. Which Perimeter Playmaker Makes A Statement?

In games like this, you always look and see which playmakers step up and make plays. In years past it was players like Jeremiyah Love against Texas A&M or Jordan Faison against Indiana or Jaden Greathouse against Penn State and Ohio State. Which player steps up against BYU, especially on the perimeter, in a hostile environment? It could be one of Faison or Greathouse. It could also be Micah Gilbert, one of the tight ends, or Mylan Graham. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter who it is, but someone will have to step up against this stout and talented secondary for the Cougars.

TWO CRUCIAL BATTLES

1. Will Black vs BYU Edge Rush

Through six games, sophomore left tackle Will Black has played well and has progressed every week. Tomorrow night will be his biggest test going against a very experienced and deep defensive line. Black is a 6-7, 316-pound left tackle that has his best football still in front of him, but what he's done so far this season has been impressive. He's going to be tested in a big way against the BYU edge rushers with players like Tausili Akana, Nusi Taumoepeau, Bodie Schoonover, Kendal Wall and Hunter Clegg coming in his direction. Defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga will test the young left tackle and test him early. This is going to be a great challenge for Black.

2. Jaden Greathouse vs Evan Johnson

Over the course of his career, Greathouse has stepped up in the biggest moments. In 2023 as a true freshman, he caught two touchdown passes in Ireland in the first game of his collegiate career. He was money in clutch situations against Texas A&M in 2024, made big plays against Louisville in 2024, got the offense going against Florida State at night in 2024 and his performance in the 2024 College Football Playoffs speaks for itself.

But we haven't seen that level of performance from the Texas native since. Tomorrow night will have to be the return of that form of Greathouse and he'll have to do it against the best cornerback he's faced in 2026 in Evan Johnson. If someone on the perimeter for the Irish is going to get going, Greathouse will have to step up against BYU's best cornerback.

ONE PLAYER TO WATCH: QB CJ CARR

As we said at the start of the offseason, this is now Carr's football team. He's the leader on offense and one of the leaders within the program. It's games like this where players like Love, Jadarian Price and former Notre Dame stars have made a name for themselves. Unlike last season, Carr is now the primary driver of offensive success. Don't get it twisted, he has a very talented supporting cast around him but last season, they were reliant on Love and Price to get them going. Now, it's up to No. 13 under center and he'll have to not only manage the expectations on the field from a production standpoint. Carr will have to be the leader and clutch player in those big moments throughout the night. Games like this are why we are so high on Carr.

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