Northern Illinois shocked No. 5 Notre Dame with a stunning 16-14 upset victory in South Bend. With just 31 seconds left, Kanon Woodill made a 35-yard field goal to give the Huskies the lead, and Cade Haberman blocked a 62-yard attempt by Notre Dame as time expired.
This victory marked Northern Illinois’ first nonconference win against a ranked opponent since 2003. Notre Dame, coming off a strong win over Texas A&M, seemed poised for a victory when they held a slim 14-13 lead in the fourth quarter. However, a key interception by Amariyun Knighten set up Woodill’s game-winning field goal.
The game started with Notre Dame taking an early lead with a touchdown run by Riley Leonard, but Northern Illinois quickly answered with an 83-yard touchdown reception by Antario Brown. Woodill’s two field goals gave the Huskies a 13-7 halftime lead, and Notre Dame’s Mitch Jeter missed a field goal attempt right before the half.
After an early missed field goal by Woodill in the second half, Notre Dame took the lead with a Jeremiyah Love touchdown run. However, it was not enough as Northern Illinois’ defense held strong to secure the upset victory.
This win marked a major upset and a significant achievement for Northern Illinois, while Notre Dame will look to bounce back in their next game.
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