With 31 seconds remaining, Kanon Woodill made a 35-yard field goal, and in the final seconds, Cade Haberman stopped a 62-yard attempt, as Northern Illinois upset No. 5 Notre Dame 16–14.
Mitch Jeter of Notre Dame attempted a 62-yard field goal, but Haberman stopped it, giving the euphoric Huskies their first nonconference win against a ranked opponent since a 19-16 upset of No. 21 Alabama in 2003.
Following an outstanding road victory over Texas A&M, Notre Dame (1-1) held a 14–13 lead in the fourth quarter and appeared to be poised to pull away from Northern Illinois (2-0). With 7:49 remaining, the Fighting Irish punted their way into possession and proceeded to drive from their 25 to the Northern Illinois 49.
With 5:55 remaining, Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard sent a deep throw up the middle that was meant for Kris Mitchell, but Amariyun Knighten intercepted it and returned it 33 yards to the 50-yard line.
It took Knighten’s interception to set up Woodill’s game-winning field goal, his third of the day.
With 8:28 remaining in the first quarter, Leonard got by the defenders for an 11-yard touchdown run to give Notre Dame the lead.
Northern Illinois responded in only five plays when Antario Brown escaped two Notre Dame defensive backs to catch an 83-yard touchdown ball from Ethan Hampton.
Woodill’s two field goals from 42 and 21 yards out gave the Huskies a 13–7 advantage at the break. Before the half, Jeter had a 48-yard attempt to tie the score at 10, but Haberman stopped it.
On the opening play of the second half, Woodill missed a 53-yard field goal attempt, which allowed Notre Dame to score.
Hurdling a defensive back on the way to the end zone, Jeremiyah Love broke loose for a 34-yard touchdown run. With 8:34 remaining in the third quarter, Notre Dame led 14–13 after to an extra point by Mitch Jeter.
The lesson learned
With a youthful Fighting Irish offensive line that failed to gain line leadership, Notre Dame has a lot of offensive work ahead of it.
Now, a seasoned team from Northern Illinois has solidified its position as a contender in the Mid-American Conference.
Implications for polls
Although Notre Dame will drop in the rankings, it is expected to remain in the Top 25.
It’s possible that Northern Illinois will garner a sizable amount of votes.
Next up
On Saturday, Notre Dame will travel to West Lafayette to play its in-state foe, Purdue.
After a week off, Northern Illinois will host Buffalo on September 21.
