Northern Illinois Rubs Salt Into Notre Dame’s Wounds After Week 2 Upset

BY SCOUT SPRINGGATE
College Football News | College Football Predictions, Analysis, and Updates
Updated September 12, 2024, 8:39 PM

Following a monumental Week 2 upset of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Northern Illinois Huskies rubbed salt in the Irish’s wounds by unveiling their updated “boneyard” display with Notre Dame front and center.

The tradition began in 1983, when Northern Illinois started dubbing marquee victories over major college football programs as “boneyard wins,” referencing the canine-like antics of Huskies. For each victory, the program attaches chains to both ends of a large rawhide bone displaying the date, location, and final score, alongside the defeated team’s logo.

The Huskies have now amassed 19 total “boneyard wins,” including historic victories over Alabama in 2003, Iowa in 2013, and Nebraska in 2018. To celebrate their first-ever win over a top 10 AP-ranked opponent, Northern Illinois prominently displayed the bone commemorating their 16-14 triumph over Notre Dame in the center of their updated exhibit.

In addition to the upset, the Huskies made a major leap in the AP Top 25, claiming the No. 25 spot for Week 3, their first appearance in the rankings since 2013. The team is on a bye for Week 3 but will look to keep their momentum alive when they face the Buffalo Bulls on September 21 at Huskie Stadium. The game is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be aired on ESPN+.

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