University officials said coach Gary Crowton decided to suspend the three players, who all are from Texas. They would not say if the disciplinary action is for more than one game.

The players watched the game from the sideline.

Provo police last week gave the District Attorney's office their findings in an alleged rape case involving BYU freshmen football players. A 17-year-old girl alleged that several BYU football players raped her after the group drank vodka and viewed a pornographic video at an Aug. 8 party in an apartment.

Mathis and Bennett are listed as the apartment's renters. The two players were high school teammates at Berkner High in Dallas.

All three players have been practicing with the team since fall camp opened Aug. 10. Speaking at his weekly media luncheon Wednesday, Crowton listed Mathis among the receivers who would play against Notre Dame.

Bennett is a defensive back.

Spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said last week the university would begin an Honor Code investigation after the Provo police conclude their investigation. Last month, BYU considered suspending the accused players. Sources indicated the players had pledged their innocence to athletic director Val Hale and Crowton.

Even if the sexual assault allegations are false, those involved could face action from the school's Honor Code office.

Re-upping

BYU's three-game series with the Irish ends next season in Indiana, but the Cougars would like to enter negotiations for another contract.

"We'll talk to them and see if we can't get another contract put together," Hale said. "I think it's really a good series."

BYU has had two three-game contracts with Notre Dame. Both called for two games at South Bend and one in Provo. Another contract would be the same.

Briefly

BYU's captains were John Beck, Aaron Francisco, Matt Payne and Brandon Heaney. . . . The game was listed as a sellout, marking the 57th sellout since BYU's stadium was expanded in 1982. Last season's finale against Utah also sold out. . . . A lightning delay at Louisiana State's home game against Oregon State pushed back the BYU-Notre Dame game eight minutes. Both games were on ESPN, which wanted to delay it 20 minutes. . . . BYU's 1984 national championship team was honored on the field before the game and at halftime. The team was inducted to the school's Hall of Fame on Friday.