These three explosive stats propelled No. 8 BYU to a historic win over No. 2 Notre Dame

In this weekly BYU Explosive Stats column, we dig into the Cougars' box scores and explore the statistical insights that help us understand what's working -- and what's not working -- in Provo. We break the "explosive" stats down by firecracker (a little explosive), hand grenade (explosive), and atomic bomb (massively explosive). Here we go!

Firecracker: Isaiah Glasker's 6 tackles and three passes defended

It was surprising to see veteran linebacker Isaiah Glasker take the field for the Cougars against the Irish. It was thrilling to see him dominate in his return. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound linebacker suffered a knee injury two weeks ago against TCU during a Faletau Satuala interception return and it initially appeared like a serious injury.

Kalani Sitake said Glasker's return just two weeks later to face Notre Dame was a "pleasant surprise." Despite the pain he was still experiencing, Glasker gutted it out and not only played against the Irish, but impacted the game time and again. His six tackles were noteworthy, but his ability to drop his long frame into pass coverage was a difference maker. He got his hands on three of CJ Carr's passes and flashed a Fred Warner-level of coverage ability in keeping Notre Dame's offense in check.

In recognition of his stellar play, Glasker was graded as the No. 1 linebacker in the country this week from PFN's Cam Mellor.

Hand grenade: Preston Rex's 10 carries for 66 yards

I'll come clean: I didn't think Preston Rex had it in him to rush the ball 10 times for 66 yards against Notre Dame's stout defense, considered by many to be the best defense in the country.

In my prediction article I shamefully forecasted a 24-13 Notre Dame win. While I nailed Notre Dame's point total, I thought BYU's offense would bog down in the absence of running back LJ Martin, the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Martin's ability to gain five-plus yards per carry throughout his stellar career is the key to BYU's offensive success. As the Cougars first establish the run, they can then set up quarterback Bear Bachmeier with a host of deadly RPOs and play action passes.

In my prediction I shared my doubts that Preston Rex, a converted safety to running back last year with 145 career rushing yards coming into last week's game, could carry the load. Well, he did! His 10 carries for 66 yards was just enough for Notre Dame to have to respect BYU's run game which could then set up the pass game.

Atomic Bomb: BYU's offensive line gave up zero sacks and tackle Bott Mulitalo was outstanding

The other major area for concern coming into this game was the ability of BYU's offensive line to keep Bear Bachmeier upright against a lethal Notre Dame pass rush.

The Cougars' offensive line gave an emphatic answer to any that doubted them.

Bear Bachmeier attempted a whopping 36 passes and wasn't sacked a single time against the vaunted Irish defense. Now, it helped that Notre Dame's standout defensive end Boubacar Traore was ejected for targeting on the game's first possession, but Notre Dame's roster is loaded with 5-star and 4-star talents behind him. Even then, the Irish pass rush never got to Bear Bachmeier.

And speaking of four-star talents, BYU freshman Bott Mulitalo was phenomenal starting at right tackle while filling in for an injured Andrew Gentry.

Mulitalo, a four-star freshman and the No. 3 prospect in the state of Utah last year, had been shaky for a couple of weeks leading into the Notre Dame game while splitting time with Siosiua Latu-Finau. Mulitalo drew the start in the biggest game of his life, and he played some exceptional football in helping contain pressure coming off the edge. It was a defining game for a massive talent with an incredibly bright future.

But we can think of the future later.

For now, let's as BYU fans just celebrate the present. Kalani Sitake's Cougars just pulled off the most important home win in program history and sit at No. 2 in the national polls.

There has never been a more exciting time to be a BYU football fan!

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