Notre Dame Suffers Gorgeous Upset Towards Northern Illinois; Huskies Publish First-Ever Win Over High 10 Opponent

Norman Ray

International Courant

Northern Illinois kicker Kanon Woodill’s 35-yard discipline aim within the remaining minute proved decisive within the Huskies’ sport in opposition to fifth-ranked Notre Dame Combating Irish on Saturday.

Notre Dame tried a last-second comeback, however a 62-yard discipline aim was no good. Northern Illinois would have fun an unbelievable 16-14 victory in South Bend, Indiana.

The upset marked the Huskies’ first non-conference victory in opposition to a ranked opponent since a 19-16 win over the Twenty first-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in 2003. It additionally gave Northern Illinois the primary win in program historical past in opposition to a workforce ranked within the prime 10 of the AP High 25.

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Northern Illinois heart Logan Zschernitz prepares to throw the ball in the course of the first quarter in opposition to Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Matt Cashore/Imagn Pictures)

Notre Dame, on the heels of a powerful highway win over Texas A&M, seemed to be in place to tug far from Northern Illinois when it held on to a 14-13 lead within the fourth quarter. The Combating Irish gained possession on some extent with 7:49 left and drove from their 25 to Northern Illinois’ 49.

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Irish quarterback Riley Leonard threw a deep move to Kris Mitchell, however Amariyun Knighten intercepted the ball and returned it 33 yards to the 50-yard line with 5:55 left.

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Northern Illinois security Santana Banner tackles Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard on Saturday, September 7, 2024. (Michael Clubb/USA TODAY NETWORK)

Knighten’s interception led to Woodill’s successful aim, his third of the day.

Notre Dame struck first when quarterback Riley Leonard evaded the Huskies’ protection and made an 11-yard landing run with 8:28 left within the first quarter.

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Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock was emotional after the sport, saying he was “proud” of what his workforce achieved Saturday.

Northern Illinois celebrates its victory over Notre Dame on Saturday, September 7, 2024 in South Bend. (Michael Clubb/USA TODAY NETWORK)

“I am so happy with our youngsters, the coaches, everyone,” Hammock mentioned throughout a postgame tv interview, wiping tears from his eyes. “They believed. They believed, and we got here in and bought it completed.”

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Notre Dame is more likely to drop down the standings subsequent week earlier than touring to West Lafayette for a sport in opposition to Purdue on Sept. 14. In the meantime, Northern Illinois has every week off earlier than internet hosting Buffalo on Sept. 21.

The Related Press contributed to this report.

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Chantz Martin is a sports activities journalist for Fox Information Digital.


Notre Dame Suffers Gorgeous Upset Towards Northern Illinois; Huskies Publish First-Ever Win Over High 10 Opponent

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