The Notre Dame Fighting Irish were on top of the college football world last week. That is because they went on the road and defeated the then #20 Texas A&M Aggies. Well, it is amazing how things can change in just one week, as Notre Dame suffers a stunning loss today to the Northern Illinois Huskies.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Fall 16-14
Things started out well for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. They got an 11-yard rushing touchdown by QB Riley Leonard in the first quarter to take a quick 7-0 lead. However, Northern Illinois had 13 unanswered points after that. It resulted in the Fighting Irish trailing 13-7 at halftime.
Notre Dame was able to stay in the game, with a quick touchdown in the third quarter to take a 14-13 lead. Northern Illinois refused to go away though, as they kept it a one-point game until late in the fourth quarter.
Northern Illinois’ Fourth Quarter Gamble Pays Off
During Northern Illinois’ last possession, they faced a 4th & 2 situation on Notre Dame’s 31-yard line. They turned down a 49-yard field goal and instead, attempted to convert the fourth down. Well, the gamble paid off and Northern Illinois ended up making a 35-yard field goal with 31 seconds remaining.
The Fighting Irish did try to bounce back and answer with a field goal of their own. Notre Dame attempted a 62-yard field goal with five seconds remaining. However, it ended up being blocked, and Northern Illinois began celebrating as they stunned the Fighting Irish in South Bend.
Playoff Implications
Believe it or not, this stunning loss may not eliminate Notre Dame from the playoffs just yet. The Fighting Irish still have an impressive road victory over Texas A&M on their resume. If they can win all of their remaining games, it is realistic to believe they can still make the playoffs.
Notre Dame has a relatively friendly schedule moving forward. Here is a list of their remaining games:
- at Purdue
- vs. Miami (OH)
- vs. #22 Louisville
- vs. Stanford
- at #23 Georgia Tech
- at Navy
- vs. Florida State
- vs. Virginia
- at Navy
- at #13 USC
Georgia Tech is likely going to drop out of the rankings due to a loss to Syracuse earlier today. Still, Notre Dame has a chance to secure a couple of statement wins against teams like Louisville and USC moving forward. However, there is no doubt this upset is a major setback when it comes to their playoff chances.
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