BYU stunned No. 8 Notre Dame in South Bend on Saturday night, and Utah governor Spencer Cox didn’t miss his chance to join in the postgame banter. Cox, a Utah State graduate in his second term, posted a message on social media on Sunday afternoon that mixed respect with a playful jab at the Fighting Irish and their quarterback CJ Carr.
“To my Notre Dame friends and fans – thank you for putting up with all the insufferable BYU fans today (me included),” Cox wrote. He acknowledged the significance of BYU’s upset, calling Notre Dame “the big brother and the gold standard.” Cox said visiting South Bend last year was “a dream come true” and described Notre Dame’s stadium as a “true football cathedral.” He praised the Irish’s coach and team, urging them to “please win out” while promising that BYU fans would be cheering for them the rest of the season.
The governor’s message didn’t shy away from the controversy of the game’s final moments. BYU’s win featured a clock miscue and a missed pass interference call that sparked debate. Cox ended his post with a lighthearted dig at Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, saying, “Oh, and sorry about not getting one last play. I would have enjoyed watching Carr sail another pass over his receiver…(am I doing it right?).”
The game itself was a rare top-10 matchup that saw the No. 3 Cougars pull off a shock victory on the road. BYU fans made their presence known loudly before and during the game, and their enthusiasm only grew after the upset.
Cox’s tweet captures both the rivalry and respect between the programs, as well as the spirited atmosphere surrounding big college football games. The governor’s tone suggests a mix of pride in BYU’s achievement and admiration for Notre Dame’s storied football tradition.
BYU's victory over Notre Dame has already sparked plenty of conversation, with Cox’s social media post adding a political figure’s voice to the fanfare. The comment about CJ Carr references the game’s disputed final moments that remain a talking point among fans and analysts.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances. Notre Dame’s hopes hinge on recovering from this unexpected loss, while BYU will aim to maintain their momentum after toppling a longtime powerhouse. Cox’s message left the door open for Notre Dame’s success, reflecting the competitive yet respectful tone of college football rivalries.
According to Yahoo Sports.