[ad_1]
A wild Week 2 in college football is just over half done, but it may not feel like it will continue if you’re a Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan.
The number five team in the nation was stunned in their home opener by the Northern Illinois Huskies, 16-14, on Saturday.
There’s plenty to take away from this massive upset, including player usage, quarterback play, and how historic the win is for NIU.
Before the quick thoughts, take a listen to NIU Football Radio’s Andy Garcia call the final play of the game.
Quarterback play happened
Syndication: South Bend Tribune
If there was one distinct difference when looking at each team’s offense, QB would be the one with the biggest glare. ND’s Riley Leonard was uninspiring with only 163 passing yards and two interceptions to show for his 20 completions.
NIU’s Ethan Hampton did what was asked of him, completing 10 of 19 passes for 198 yards and a TD pass.
The Antario Brown Show
Matt Cashore-Imagn Images
The senior from Savannah, GA was Northern’s offense, racking up 225 total yards on 22 total touches (20 carries). Brown’s cherry on top of the sundae was an 83-yard TD reception in response to Notre Dame’s game-opening TD drive.
Fire the Kanons!
Syndication: USA TODAY
NIU kicker Kanon Woodill hit the game-winning field goal with 31 seconds left to play, capping a 3-for-4 game on FG attempts. The one miss was a 53-yarder to open the second half. NIU doesn’t win without Woodill converting on stalled drives by the Huskie offense.
Jeremiyah Love usage issues
Syndication: South Bend Tribune
13 total touches for Notre Dame’s energetic and talented running back when losing is criminal. Jeremiyah Love had 10 total touches before his 34-yard touchdown in which he hurdled NIU safety Nate Valcarcel on his way to the end zone.
He had one more carry for three yards over the remaining 15:40 of game clock.
History – Good and bad
Syndication: USA TODAY
NIU won their first game against an AP Top 5 team. The Huskies also broke a 51-game losing streak by MAC teams to AP Top 5 opponents, and clinched the MAC’s first win against a top 5 team.
Notre Dame is now faced with a lot of questions that need answers after losing what was supposed to be an easier matchup.
[ad_2]
Source link
Fitnessnacks – #Notre #Dame #lost #Northern #Illinois #won
Courtesy : https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/lists/instant-takeaways-notre-dame-niu/