In a stunning turn of events, the Northern Illinois Huskies defeated the 7th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish 16-14 in a non-conference clash. The game, part of a “guarantee game” agreement, came with a $1.4 million payout to Northern Illinois, a common practice where larger programs pay smaller schools to play, typically expecting a win. Despite the upset, Notre Dame remains obligated to pay the amount within 60 days. This loss continues a concerning trend for head coach Marcus Freeman, following previous upsets like Marshall’s 2022 win.
Troubling Trend for Marcus Freeman
The upset reflects a growing challenge for Notre Dame under head coach Marcus Freeman, who has experienced several unexpected losses in his short tenure. In 2022, the Fighting Irish suffered a 26-21 home loss to Marshall, another “guarantee game” that disrupted their season. Despite high expectations, the team’s inconsistency against underdog opponents has raised questions about the stability of the program under Freeman.
While Notre Dame remains a top-tier college football powerhouse, these losses in games where they are heavily favored expose vulnerabilities in the team’s preparation and execution. As fans grow anxious, the pressure on Freeman and his coaching staff intensifies.
The Business of College Football
“Guarantee games” are crucial for smaller schools like Northern Illinois, as they provide much-needed financial support. Schools like Notre Dame pay for these games with the assumption that they’ll secure an easy win. However, when upsets occur, it highlights the unpredictable nature of college football and the risks involved. Notre Dame’s payment, though substantial, isn’t among the highest; other programs like Alabama and Auburn have paid as much as $1.9 million for similar games.
For Notre Dame, the loss is not just a financial hit but a major blow to their season’s trajectory. The upset could impact their rankings and bowl prospects, proving once again that in college football, no game is guaranteed.
What’s Next for Notre Dame?
As the Fighting Irish look to recover from this shocking loss, questions loom about how the team will handle the remainder of their season. With tougher opponents ahead, Marcus Freeman’s squad will need to quickly regroup and address the issues that allowed Northern Illinois to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season.