1 week Ago By The Canadian Press
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Kanon Woodill hit a 35-yard field goal with 31 seconds to play and blocked a 62-yard try as time expired and stunned No. 5 16-14 on Saturday.
Haberman blocked the 62-yard attempt by Notre Dame’s , allowing the jubilant Huskies to claim their first nonconference victory against a ranked opponent since a 19-16 upset of No. 21 in 2003. 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 gained possession after a punt with 7:49 left and drove from their 25 to the Northern Illinois 49. Fighting Irish quarterback launched a pass deep up the middle intended for , but 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. 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. 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. The takeaway Notre Dame has plenty of work to do on the offensive side as a young Fighting Irish offensive line struggled to establish command of the line. A veteran Northern Illinois squad has now firmly established itself as a contender in the Mid-American Conference.
Poll implications Notre Dame will take a plunge in the rankings but likely stay in the Top 25. Northern Illinois could receive a significant number of votes. Up next Notre Dame: Travels to West Lafayette to take on in-state rival on Saturday.
Northern Illinois: Gets a week off and then hosts Buffalo on Sept. 21. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season.
Sign up . AP college football: and Curt Rallo, The Associated Press.
