Northern Illinois pulled off a major upset on Saturday, defeating No. 5 Notre Dame 16-14 with a last-minute field goal and a blocked kick as time expired. This victory marked the Huskies’ first nonconference win against a ranked opponent since 2003. Notre Dame, coming off a strong road win over Texas A&M, held a slim 14-13 lead in the fourth quarter before a key interception by Amariyun Knighten set up Kanon Woodill’s game-winning field goal.
The game began with Notre Dame taking an early lead on a touchdown run by Riley Leonard, but Northern Illinois quickly responded with an 83-yard touchdown pass from Ethan Hampton to Antario Brown. Despite both teams trading field goals, Northern Illinois held a 13-7 halftime lead. A blocked field goal by Cade Haberman prevented Notre Dame from narrowing the gap before the half. In the second half, Notre Dame regained the lead with a touchdown run by Jeremiyah Love, but Northern Illinois’s defense held strong to secure the upset victory.
The victory highlighted Notre Dame’s offensive struggles, particularly on the offensive line, as they failed to establish dominance at the line of scrimmage. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois showcased their veteran experience and talent, solidifying their position as a strong contender in the Mid-American Conference. While Notre Dame is likely to drop in the rankings after this loss, Northern Illinois could gain recognition and potentially receive a significant number of votes in polls.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame will face in-state rival Purdue in their next game, which will test their ability to bounce back from this disappointing loss. Northern Illinois, on the other hand, will aim to build on this momentum and continue their success in the season. The Huskies’ victory over Notre Dame serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college football and how any team can rise to the occasion on any given day, showcasing the spirit of competition and resilience in the sport.
