“This Is What Notre Dame Football Does”: Marcus Freeman Embraces Challenging Road Test at BYU

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame is getting some much-needed reinforcements as the Fighting Irish prepare for a challenging road trip to Provo, Utah, where a physical BYU team and unfamiliar environment await.

Head coach Marcus Freeman provided several encouraging injury updates during his Monday press conference, including the return of linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, who has officially been removed from the injury report.

Cornerback Leonard Moore remains questionable, while defensive lineman Jason Onye has been upgraded to questionable. Brauntae Johnson is still sidelined, with Freeman indicating his return is more likely to come sometime in November.

With the injury updates addressed, Notre Dame’s attention now shifts to one of its toughest road environments of the season.

“This is what Notre Dame football does, we go into different places and it’s a big game,” Freeman said. “That’s why we are here, why we chose to come to Notre Dame. We love it, I love it, they love it.”

While the Irish prepare for the atmosphere in Provo, Freeman is also emphasizing the importance of maintaining the team’s established practice habits, preparation and routine. One area that will be particularly important is the offensive line, which could receive additional help this week.

Matty Augustine is now listed as Notre Dame’s backup right guard behind Sullivan Absher, who has delivered two impressive performances in consecutive weeks. Styles Prescod is also listed as the primary backup at both tackle positions.

Against an aggressive BYU defense, however, Freeman stressed that communication and execution will be just as important as personnel. Notre Dame’s offensive line will need to recognize defensive tendencies, communicate effectively before the snap and adjust to the different looks BYU presents.

“There’s a lot of consistency among their coaching staff and you can tell they have a culture and they play hard and they are physical and take a lot of pride in what they do,” Freeman said.

Beyond the competition itself, Notre Dame is taking additional precautions for another challenge unique to playing in Provo: the altitude. Freeman said hydration has been a priority throughout the week as the Irish prepare to compete at a higher elevation. Oxygen will also be available on the sideline if players need it.