Sports Then and Now

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.