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The upset victory by Northern Illinois over Notre Dame at South Bend in the home opener for the Fighting Irish will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most shocking and historic moments in college football history. Notre Dame, a storied program with a tradition of excellence, has long promoted a mythical quality to home games at the home of Touchdown Jesus. While the Irish have seen their share of home losses, few can compare to the stunning upset pulled off by Northern Illinois, a non-Power Conference program, in front of a packed Notre Dame Stadium.

This loss marks a significant chapter in the history of Notre Dame’s most unexpected home defeats. From the dramatic upsets of the past to modern-day surprises, Notre Dame’s fabled home stadium has witnessed some unforgettable moments of heartbreak for the Irish faithful. To understand where the 2024 upset ranks, it’s crucial to examine the context of past Notre Dame home losses and why the Northern Illinois victory stands out.

Context of the 2024 Northern Illinois Upset

Before diving into the historical context, it’s important to frame the events surrounding the 2024 loss to Northern Illinois. Entering the game, Notre Dame was highly ranked, and expectations were high for a team with College Football Playoff aspirations. Northern Illinois, on the other hand, came into the game as a significant underdog from the Mid-American Conference (MAC). While the Huskies have had a respectable football program over the years, defeating a perennial powerhouse like Notre Dame on the road seemed highly improbable.

From the opening kickoff, Northern Illinois played with resilience, tenacity, and a belief that they could shock the college football world. The game’s final moments were marked by a crucial series of plays, including a game-winning field goal drive that sealed Northern Illinois’ 16-14 victory. This defeat is sending shockwaves throughout the sport, as pundits and fans alike were left stunned by the Irish’s collapse and now question if they will be able to rebound to make a run at the expanded CFB Playoffs.

Ranking the Greatest Upset Losses at Notre Dame Stadium

In the long history of Notre Dame football, the Irish have suffered their share of shocking home losses, often at the hands of underdog teams that played above expectations. To understand where Northern Illinois’ triumph ranks, let’s take a look at some of the most infamous upset home losses in Notre Dame’s storied history.

1. Navy Defeats Notre Dame (2007)

Navy’s 46-44 triple-overtime victory over Notre Dame in 2007 is perhaps the most famous upset in recent memory. This game broke Navy’s 43-game losing streak to the Irish, a span that lasted from 1963 to 2006. Notre Dame was in the midst of a rebuilding phase under coach Charlie Weis, but few expected the Midshipmen to end such a historic streak on the road. The game was tightly contested, with Navy eventually prevailing in a dramatic triple-overtime thriller. The result was a bitter pill to swallow for Notre Dame fans, especially given the long history of dominance over Navy.

2. Syracuse Stuns Notre Dame (2008)

In 2008, an unranked Syracuse team, led by interim head coach Greg Robinson, stunned Notre Dame with a 24-23 victory in South Bend. Syracuse entered the game with a 2-8 record and little to play for, while Notre Dame was looking to secure a strong finish to their season. The Orange, however, refused to roll over, rallying from a 23-10 deficit in the fourth quarter to score 14 unanswered points and stun the Fighting Irish. For Notre Dame fans, this loss was not only embarrassing but also highlighted the team’s struggles under coach Charlie Weis.

3. Purdue Shocks Notre Dame (1950)

One of the earlier historic upsets came in 1950 when Purdue defeated Notre Dame 28-14, ending the Irish’s 39-game unbeaten streak. At the time, Notre Dame was the most dominant program in college football, having not lost a game since 1945. Purdue, a Big Ten rival, played inspired football and took advantage of multiple turnovers by the Irish to pull off the upset. The game is still remembered as one of the most significant defeats in Notre Dame’s history, given the length of the streak and the Irish’s national prominence.

4. Northwestern Upsets Notre Dame (1995)

Northwestern’s 17-15 upset over Notre Dame in 1995 is one of the most stunning upsets in modern college football. The Wildcats had not beaten Notre Dame in 14 straight games, and they entered the season opener as 28-point underdogs. Notre Dame, ranked No. 9 at the time, was expected to compete for a national championship under coach Lou Holtz. However, Northwestern, under head coach Gary Barnett, played inspired football and shocked the Irish on their home field. This victory served as a turning point for Northwestern, which went on to win the Big Ten and earn a trip to the Rose Bowl that year.

5. Tulsa Stuns Notre Dame (2010)

Tulsa’s 28-27 victory over Notre Dame in 2010 was another shocking upset for the Irish faithful. Playing under first-year head coach Brian Kelly, Notre Dame was expected to handle the Golden Hurricane with ease. However, the Irish struggled throughout the game, and Tulsa took advantage of key mistakes, including a critical interception thrown by Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees in the final moments of the game. Tulsa’s victory marked one of the biggest upsets in Notre Dame’s recent history, as the Irish were expected to be heavy favorites against a much smaller program.

Where Does Northern Illinois’ 2024 Victory Rank?

While all of these upsets are historic in their own right, Northern Illinois’ victory over Notre Dame in 2024 ranks among the most shocking for several reasons.

1. Northern Illinois’ Status as a Non-Power Conference Team

Unlike Navy, Syracuse, or Purdue, Northern Illinois hails from the Mid-American Conference, a conference not traditionally known for competing against college football’s elite programs. While the Huskies have had success within their conference and have made occasional noise in bowl games, they were not considered a serious threat to a top-10 ranked Notre Dame team. The disparity in talent, resources, and recruiting made this game seem like a mismatch on paper.

2. Notre Dame’s High Ranking and Expectations

Heading into the game, Notre Dame was widely considered a College Football Playoff contender. The Irish were ranked in the top 10 and had started the season with a big win at Texas A&M. Losing to Northern Illinois, especially at home, was seen as an unthinkable outcome. The fact that Notre Dame was expected to make a national championship push adds to the significance of this loss.

3. The Nature of the Game

The game itself was a back-and-forth battle, but Northern Illinois’ ability to pull off a game-winning drive in the final minutes added to the drama. This wasn’t a fluke victory or a result of weather or controversial officiating—the Huskies outplayed Notre Dame when it mattered most, and that adds to the shock value.

4. The Implications for Notre Dame’s Season

The loss to Northern Illinois could have major implications for Notre Dame’s season. Depending on how the rest of the year unfolds, this game could derail the Irish’s hopes for a playoff bid despite the expansion of the CFB Playoffs to 12 teams this season. The significance of this upset will only grow if Notre Dame is unable to recover from this shocking defeat.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Notre Dame’s History of Upsets

While Notre Dame has suffered several memorable home losses throughout its illustrious history, the 2024 upset by Northern Illinois ranks as one of the most stunning and improbable defeats. The combination of Northern Illinois’ status as a non-Power Conference team, Notre Dame’s lofty expectations, and the dramatic nature of the game all contribute to this loss’s place in history.

Though the legacy of this upset will evolve with time, it is already clear that Northern Illinois’ victory over Notre Dame will be remembered as one of the greatest upsets in South Bend and a moment that will be etched into the annals of college football lore.