2024-09-08 08:50:02
What seemed like a formality for Notre Dame — a home game against a Mid-American Conference opponent on the heels of a momentous season-opening win on the road against then-No. 20 Texas A&M last Saturday — proved to be anything but.
Despite entering the matchup as a four-touchdown favorite, Notre Dame was stunned by Northern Illinois, 16-14, Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium. Kanon Woodill made a 35-yard field goal with 31 seconds remaining, and Mitch Jeter’s potential game-winning 62-yard field goal for Notre Dame was blocked and recovered by the Huskies as time expired.
One week after it appeared as though Marcus Freeman’s team had a relatively clear path to the 12-team College Football Playoff, the Fighting Irish suddenly find themselves in a much more uncertain and disheartening position.
REQUIRED READING:Instant recap: Highlights Northern Illinois shocks Notre Dame football Saturday
Perhaps the worst part of Saturday’s setback? Notre Dame paid seven figures for the loss. Here’s what you need to know about the Irish’s payout to Northern Illinois:
How much did Notre Dame pay Northern Illinois?
Notre Dame owes Northern Illinois $1.4 million for Saturday’s game, according to terms of a contract obtained by the USA TODAY Network through an open records request.
The deal, which was signed in February 2019, requires the Irish to pay the Huskies that sum no later than 60 days after the game’s completion.
It’s not the only “buy game” Notre Dame has this season. On Sept. 21, it will host Miami (Ohio), which it has agreed to pay $1.25 million, according to a contract signed in May 2021. The RedHawks are the reigning MAC champions and were picked to win the league this season, putting them two spots ahead of Northern Illinois.
As shocking as the Huskies’ win Saturday was, it’s not the first time Notre Dame has shelled out more than $1 million to lose at home to a Group of Five foe.
In 2022, in Freeman’s second game as head coach, the Irish lost 26-21 to Marshall, which it paid $1.25 million to make the trip to South Bend.
