How this former Savannah football star led Northern Illinois to a huge upset of Notre Dame

Savannah native Antario Brown, a Beach High School alumnus, played a pivotal role in the biggest college football upset this season as he led Northern Illinois University to a 16-14 win at Notre Dame on Saturday.

Notre Dame entered the game ranked No. 5 in the country in the Associated Press Poll and were favored over the Huskies by 28 points. It was the first time in school history that Northern Illinois had beaten a team ranked in the Top 10.

The Huskies improved to 2-0 on the season and cracked the AP rankings released Sunday at No. 25 in the nation. Notre Dame (1-1) was at No. 18.

Brown, the 5-foot-10, 220-pound senior running back, had a huge game before leaving with an injury in the second half.

He scored the Huskies first touchdown on an 83-yard reception from Ethan Hampton. Brown rushed for 99 yards on 20 carries and caught two passes for 126 yards. Kanon Woodill’s third field goal of the day, a 35-yarder with 31 seconds left, put the Huskies on top and stunned a crowd of 77,622 on hand to watch the game in South Bend.

In July, Brown was named the the Maxwell Award Watchlist. The honor goes to the best player in college football.

James Roberts, an assistant football coach at Jenkins who trains individual players from throughout Savannah, still works with Brown during the offseason. He said Brown’s performance against Notre Dame was one that could set him up for a future in the NFL.

“I texted with him today and told him congratulations ― that was just a huge game for Antario and his team,” Roberts said. “I think that’s going to put him on the map with NFL coaches with the way he dominated against a Top 5 team and national power like Notre Dame. He showed his versatility with his ability to run and catch the ball ― that’s what NFL teams are looking for and Antario has the talent to be a threat on Sundays in…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/former-savannah-football-star-led-080646549.html

Author : Savannah Morning News

Publish date : 2024-09-09 08:06:46

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