Big games aren’t new to Notre Dame.
Captain Drayk Bowen has experienced his fair share of hostile road environments and understands the reputation of LaVell Edwards Stadium.
The Indiana native plans to lean on that experience Saturday night, not only to perform at a high level but also to lead Notre Dame’s defense in a top-10 matchup against BYU.
“For us, it's just not making it bigger than what it is,” stated Bowen. “At the end of the day, it's another road game. The numbers can say that it's a top ten matchup and other people say this big game, but at the end of the day, when you're on the field, it's 120 by 53 1/3.”
Bowen, who led the Irish with 30 tackles, also understands that what the Irish accomplish in Provo will be determined by the work they put in throughout the week.
“Making sure we’re doing the things we need to do during the week to make sure we’re prepared for game day,” explained Bowen. “That’s the biggest thing. Once you get to game day, that energy and that stadium atmosphere, we’re going to be ready to go. But up until then, you just need to make sure we’re doing the right things to make sure we get the outcome we want.”
Notre Dame has a new element in its routine this week, as the Irish began preparing Sunday for the challenge of playing at elevation.
Provo sits approximately 4,650 feet above sea level, a significant difference from South Bend’s elevation of 732 feet.
Notre Dame has trained breathing techniques throughout the offseason to help players recover between plays. This week, the Irish have an opportunity to put that preparation to greater use.
“Coach (Loren) Landow was there in Denver for a long time and he said that teams that don't really work on their breath or have breath focus, that's when they struggle,” Bowen explained. “If you do your process, do your breathing technique, he said it's not that much different. Make sure you're eating the right things, make sure you're hydrating. He said if you don't do those things, that's where it will affect you.
“We have a great nutrition staff. Coach Landow has been working with us, coaches are on us about it. We'll see when we get there, but from what they've told us of what we need to work on, it shouldn't be too much of a challenge.”
While the elevation presents an additional consideration, BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier presents the more immediate challenge for Bowen and the Notre Dame defense.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound quarterback has completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 1,033 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception this season. He has also added 239 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
With BYU starting running back LJ Martin sidelined, Bachmeier’s ability to create plays with his legs become an even bigger piece to the game plan.
“He’s a big quarterback,” Bowen stated. “He’s a very capable runner. He doesn’t take a lot of hits. He makes a lot of people miss. It’s going to be a good challenge. He’s a power guy, so if he has to get one, two, three yards, he’ll put his head down and do it. He’s a good quarterback. He gets them into the right calls and it’s going to be a good challenge for us this week.”
Bowen also knows adversity is inevitable on the road.
Notre Dame faced an early challenge at Lambeau Field against Wisconsin and encountered another difficult stretch in Chapel Hill against North Carolina.
The Irish have responded to those moments, and Bowen believes the team's experience will be valuable if BYU creates similar challenges Saturday night.
“We've been there before,” said Bowen. “Wisconsin wasn't going great, Michigan State towards the end of the half. “We've been there before. A lot of guys were here for the National Championship game. Last year, we remember what it's like and have a lot of experience and a lot of older guys.
“We have to make sure we are still able to get our cleats in the ground and play ball. You can always bounce back if you mess up one play, one drive and make sure the next drive you go fix it.”
Notre Dame has made a habit of starting fast in 2026, and Bowen credits the team's preparation and attention to detail for its ability to execute when the lights come on.
“Once we get to a game day mentality, we’ve seen all that they’re going to give us,” Bowen said. “There’s going to be new stuff they haven’t shown before so it’s do your rules and play ball.
“As far as Saturday, it’s going to be a good matchup. They’re a run-heavy team. We’re a stop-the-run team. It’s going to be who can establish the line of scrimmage first and who can set the other one back behind the sticks. If we can do that, we’re going to have a pretty good night.”
Everything points toward a bloodbath in the trenches on Saturday night and Bowen is looking forward to being in the middle of it.
“It’s going to be a defensive game,” said Bowen. “What defense can get the most stops? Who’s going to be the best defense that night. For us, it’s going to be about how early we can stop the run. If we can stop the run, that’s what we pride ourselves on. If we can limit their explosive plays in the run game, it’s going to be a lot better for us. If they’re getting five, six yards a pop, and they’re staying on schedule, that’s where they want to live.
“We’ve got to make sure they stay behind the sticks and get them out of that run game they want to live in.”
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