Notre Dame vs. Northern Illinois payout details: How much money did Huskies make for 2024 football game?

College football's return has brought with it a string of notable upsets. The latest saw Northern Illinois travel into South Bend and knock off No. 5 Notre Dame, 16-14.

The Fighting Irish, a side with hopes of College Football Playoff glory, could nary afford such an unexpected defeat, especially to a team like the Huskies, just two years removed from a 3-9 campaign. Although Marcus Freeman's squad likely still has a chance of cracking the magnificent 12 come the end of the season, there's no margin for error anymore.

Notre Dame's loss was already a costly endeavor in terms of postseason implications. The defeat also made a dent on the Irish's pockets; Notre Dame is believed to have shelled out a king's ransom to play the architects of its early-season downfall.

MORE: How Northern Illinois upset No. 5 Notre Dame

So, just how much did the Irish spend to persuade Northern Illinois to come into their house and vanquish them?

Notre Dame vs. Northern Illinois payout details

Every season, college football's highest-profile programs offer sizable payouts to low- and mid-major schools, a "sweetener" that coaxes less prestigious sides into facing off against some of the nation's best away from home.

Commonly referred to as " buy games ", the smaller school will net a decent chunk of change in exchange for taking on the challenge.

Notre Dame's clash with the Huskies was no exception. Despite its status as one of the MAC's better sides — Northern Illinois finished second in the MAC West last year –  NIU entered Saturday's contest appearing to be overmatched by the Irish's highly-touted talent.

Notre Dame attempted to make it worth the Huskies while, reportedly setting aside $1.4 million for Saturday's game. While that total doesn't quite reach the numbers the likes of Alabama, Auburn and Georgia pumped out to secure dates with Group of 5 competition, the figure was certainly an eye-watering one. Particularly given the result of Saturday's affair.

You can find a list of the most expensive buy games below.