Notre Dame’s loss to BYU exposed bigger problems, John Brice says Miami is now a must-win

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- Notre Dame’s undefeated season came crashing down Saturday night in Provo, Utah.

But beyond the clock controversy that dominated headlines, the Fighting Irish’s first loss of the season exposed deeper concerns about their offensive identity, defensive execution and path to the College Football Playoff.

In a one-on-one interview with ABC57, USA TODAY college football insider and former Notre Dame beat reporter John Brice broke down what went wrong against BYU and why the Irish’s margin for error has all but disappeared.

One of Brice’s biggest criticisms wasn’t necessarily how Notre Dame played, but how the Irish chose to attack BYU. Despite never trailing by more than 11 points, quarterback CJ Carr attempted 49 passes, a game plan Brice believes strayed too far from what has made Marcus Freeman’s teams successful.

“Notre Dame was never behind by more than 11 points in this game to need to air it out 50 times,” Brice said. “That’s just not a winning formula.”

While Carr was tasked with carrying much of the offensive workload, freshman running back Jonaz Walton received just five touches. For Brice, that imbalance raises questions about the decisions being made on the sideline, not the quarterback executing them.

“The care factor is through the roof with CJ Carr, so I do not put that loss on CJ Carr,” Brice said. “CJ Carr didn’t elect to give Jonaz Walton only five touches.”

The problems weren’t limited to one side of the ball. Brice also questioned Notre Dame’s defensive approach, particularly its heavy reliance on zone coverage and inability to consistently pressure BYU’s quarterback. Those concerns were compounded by the early ejection of defensive lineman Boubacar Traore, leaving the Irish without one of their key pass rushers for much of the game.

The result was a performance that left questions about how Notre Dame adjusts when its original game plan is disrupted.

Now sitting at 6-1, Notre Dame enters its bye week with an opportunity to regroup before facing Navy.

But Brice believes the most consequential test still lies ahead.

With one loss already on their résumé, the Irish have significantly less room for another setback if they hope to remain in the national championship conversation.

“Any way you want to look at it, Notre Dame has to beat the Miami Hurricanes,” Brice said.

He pointed to the significant financial investment in Notre Dame’s coaching staff and roster, estimating more than $20 million committed to the staff and approximately $40 million to the roster.

“Notre Dame has gone all in for this season, and Miami represents the all in game,” Brice said.

Saturday’s loss did not eliminate Notre Dame from playoff contention, but it fundamentally changed the urgency surrounding the remainder of its season.