South Bend, Indiana — The Huskies walked into South Bend with high hopes and exited with their biggest victory in program history.
Northern Illinois has sent seismic waves throughout the college football landscape, stunning No. 5 Notre Dame 16 – 14. The Huskies were 0 – 14 all time against top 10 opponents. They’ve changed that narrative with today’s huge upset win over The Fighting Irish.
The game changing moment happen at the 5:55 mark during the fourth quarter. Notre Dame led 14 – 13 before quarterback Riley Leonard threw an interception. Northern Illinois took advantage, by constructing an 11 play, 31-yard scoring drive, capped off by a 35-yard field goal from Kanon Woodill to take the lead with 31 seconds left.
Notre Dame attempted a 62-yard field goal as time expired to tie, but the Huskies blocked the kick, delivering a devastating blow to The Irish’s chances of reaching the College Football Playoffs.
This is Notre Dame's fourth loss against an unranked opponent since 2022.
“Disappointing. It’s our job as coaches to make sure these guys are ready to go,” Freeman said following today’s game. “I’ve always said performance is a reflection of preparation.”
Northern Illinois is now the first MAC team to ever beat an AP top five opponent, snapping a streak of 51 straight losses by the conference.
NIU Head Coach Thomas Hammock was overcome by emotion during his postgame interview.
“I told them all week, we don’t need luck, we just got to be our best and they were their best today.” Hammock said. “
Today’s loss is certainly a bad look for The Irish. According to BetMGM, Notre Dame were 28.5-point favorites to defeat Northern Illinois.
Somehow, they will have to shed the disappointment and despair from today’s shocking loss and prepare an in-state rivalry match up against Purdue next Saturday.
Meanwhile NIU will have some time to celebrate today’s colossal win. The Huskies have an off week before hosting Buffalo on Sept. 21.
Desmond Purnell
