SOUTH BEND, Ind. – In a shocking turn of events, Northern Illinois pulled off a stunning upset against No. 5 Notre Dame on Saturday. Kanon Woodill’s 35-yard field goal with 31 seconds left sealed the victory for the Huskies, while Cade Haberman’s block on a 62-yard attempt as time expired solidified the win.

Haberman’s heroics on the final play allowed Northern Illinois to secure their first nonconference victory against a ranked opponent since 2003 when they upset No. 21 Alabama. Head coach Thomas Hammock was emotional after the game, emphasizing the team’s hard work and belief in themselves.

According to Hammock, this victory marks a significant moment for the program, akin to their historic win over Alabama years ago. “This is a program-changing type win,” Hammock said, reflecting on the team’s resilience and determination.

The game was a back-and-forth battle, with Notre Dame holding a slim 14-13 lead in the fourth quarter. However, a crucial interception by Amariyun Knighten shifted the momentum in favor of the Huskies, leading to Woodill’s game-winning kick.

Quarterback Ethan Hampton played a pivotal role in the victory, making key plays throughout the game. His efforts, coupled with a strong defensive performance, allowed Northern Illinois to outmatch the heavily favored Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman expressed disappointment over the loss, acknowledging the need for improvement in the team’s performance. The defeat comes on the heels of an impressive road win, highlighting the volatility of college football.

As the dust settles on this historic upset, Northern Illinois emerges as a legitimate contender in the Mid-American Conference, while Notre Dame faces questions about their offensive struggles. The college football landscape has once again been reshaped by an unexpected outcome, reminding fans of the sport’s unpredictable nature.

Key Takeaways:

• Notre Dame suffers a shocking defeat at the hands of Northern Illinois
• Northern Illinois establishes itself as a force to be reckoned with in the conference
• Both teams face adjustments and improvements moving forward

Upcoming Games:

Notre Dame will face in-state rival Purdue in their next matchup, aiming to bounce back from the loss. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois will enjoy a week off before taking on Buffalo in their next contest.

For more college football updates and analysis, stay tuned to AP Top 25 coverage throughout the season.

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