Upton Bellenfant secured a 37-yard field goal in overtime, leading Buffalo to a 23-20 victory over No. 23 Northern Illinois on Saturday. The Huskies, with a 2-1 record, could only muster six points in the second half following their recent win against Notre Dame. Buffalo, now 3-1 overall, recorded a historic win against a ranked opponent for the second time in its FBS history.

Buffalo took a 20-17 lead after Shaun Dolac’s interception and a 53-yard return setting up a field goal. However, Northern Illinois equalized the score with a 13-play drive finished by Kanon Woodill’s 27-yard field goal with 26 seconds left in the game. Woodill, who clinched the win against Notre Dame, missed two field goal attempts, including a blocked 42-yarder in overtime, paving the way for Bellenfant’s game-winning kick, going 3 for 3 on the day.

For Buffalo, C.J. Ogbonna threw for 107 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Victor Snow for a 46-yard score early in the third quarter. Al-Jay Henderson’s 36-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter tied the game at 17. On the other side, Antario Brown rushed for 73 yards and two touchdowns for the Huskies, scoring in the first and second quarters.

Ethan Hampton managed 194 passing yards, completing 23 of 43 attempts with one interception for Northern Illinois. Buffalo’s offense struggled initially, averaging just 1.1 yards per carry in the first half but made adjustments to keep the Huskies from scoring for the remainder of the game. Despite a strong showing from the defensive line, Northern Illinois must work on their offense to compete with teams like Toledo in the MAC.

Following this loss, Northern Illinois is likely to drop out of the AP Top 25 rankings but will have an opportunity to bounce back when they face N.C. State next weekend. Buffalo is set to play against Connecticut next Saturday.