Northern Illinois pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season, defeating Notre Dame 16-14 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, on Saturday. The shocking victory left Northern Illinois head coach Thomas Hammock visibly emotional, as the gravity of the moment overwhelmed him.
Hammock, a former NIU running back from 1999-2002, could not hold back his tears during a postgame interview with NBC. After orchestrating a monumental upset against one of college football’s most storied programs, Hammock was understandably moved by the magnitude of the win.
Fighting through his emotions, Hammock reflected on the message he gave his team leading up to the game. “I told them all week, we don’t need luck. We just gotta be our best. And it was their best today, and we were able to get it done,” he said, his pride in his players unmistakable.
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The upset victory was especially meaningful given the challenges Northern Illinois has faced as an underdog program. Hammock highlighted the tight-knit bond his players share, contrasting his team’s dynamic with the current college football landscape dominated by the transfer portal. “A lot of teams have the transfer portal, but we have a family,” Hammock added, underscoring the unity and resilience that fueled their triumph.
For Northern Illinois, the victory over Notre Dame is a defining moment, and for Hammock, it’s a testament to the progress he’s made since becoming head coach in 2019. With a 26-33 record during his tenure, Hammock’s journey hasn’t always been easy, but this win shows the positive direction in which his program is headed.
It was more than just a win—it was a validation of hard work, perseverance, and belief, and Hammock’s emotional reaction perfectly encapsulated how much it meant to him, his players, and the entire Huskies program.
