SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Kanon Woodill hit a 35-yard field goal with 31 seconds to play and Cade Haberman blocked a 62-yard try as time expired and Northern Illinois stunned No. 5 Notre Dame 16-14 on Saturday.
Haberman blocked the 62-yard attempt by Notre Dame’s Mitch Jeter, allowing the jubilant Huskies to claim their first nonconference victory against a ranked opponent since a 19-16 upset of No. 21 Alabama in 2003.
Notre Dame’s last second field goal attempt is blocked to give Northern Illinois the 16-14 win at Notre Dame Stadium on Sept. 7, 2024. Michael Clubb / USA TODAY NETWORK
Kicker Kanon Woodill (92) accepts congratulations from teammates after making a late fourth quarter field goal with 31 seconds remaining to lead Northern Illinois to the upset win over Notre Dame. Michael Clubb / USA TODAY NETWORK
Notre Dame (1-1), on the heels of an impressive road win over Texas A&M, looked like it was in position to get some separation from Northern Illinois (2-0) as it clung to a 14-13 lead in the fourth quarter.
The Fighting Irish gained possession after a punt with 7:49 left and drove from their 25 to the Northern Illinois 49.
Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard launched a pass deep up the middle intended for Kris Mitchell, but Amariyun Knighten made the interception and returned it 33 yards to the 50-yard line with 5:55 to play.
Knighten’s interception set up the winning field goal from Woodill, his third of the day.
Notre Dame struck first as Leonard side-stepped the defense for an 11-yard touchdown run with 8:28 left in the first quarter.
Northern Illinois celebrates after their 16-14 upset win over Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium. Michael Clubb / USA TODAY NETWORK
Quarterback Riley Leonard runs for a touchdown in the first quarter of Notre Dame’s upset loss. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
It only took five plays for Northern Illinois to answer as Antario Brown broke loose between two Notre Dame defensive backs for an 83-yard touchdown reception on a pass from Ethan Hampton.
A pair of field goals by Woodill from 42 and 21 yards gave the Huskies a 13-7 halftime lead. Notre Dame had the chance to make it 13-10 before half, but Haberman blocked a 48-yard try from Jeter.
Running back Antario Brown catches a pass and outruns Jaylen Sneed for a first-quarter touchdown during Norther Illinois’ upset victory. Matt Cashore-Imagn Images
Woodill missed a 53-yard field goal attempt on the first possession of the second half, and Notre Dame took advantage.
Jeremiyah Love broke loose for a 34-yard touchdown run, hurdling a defender on the way to the end zone.
Mitch Jeter’s extra point gave Notre Dame a 14-13 lead with 8:34 left in the third quarter.
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Publish date : 2024-09-07 13:29:00
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