Northern Illinois University (NIU) achieved a historic victory by defeating No. 5 Notre Dame 16-14, marking the first time in program history that the Huskies upset a top-five team. Coach Thomas Hammock, visibly emotional after the win, praised his players for their hard work and belief in themselves, stating, 'They listened to what I said... we just got to be our best.' The Huskies, 28-point underdogs, secured the win with a 35-yard field goal by Kanon Woodill in the final seconds and a crucial interception by cornerback Amariyun Knighten. Notre Dame's head coach Marcus Freeman expressed disappointment in the loss, which jeopardizes their chances for the College Football Playoff after a previous victory over Texas A&M. This upset not only signifies a monumental achievement for NIU but also highlights the unpredictability of college football, where smaller programs can triumph against giants.