On Sunday, Thomas Hammock saved an exciting new contact.

After his team, the Northern Illinois Huskies, stunned Notre Dame with a 16-14 victory, Hammock was flooded with supportive texts.

Coaches from the Mid-American Conference sent him congratulatory messages about the monumental upset. Among the messages, one stood out from an unknown number.

It was from Aaron Boone, the manager of the New York Yankees, offering his congratulations. As a lifelong Yankees enthusiast from Jersey City, New Jersey, Hammock was thrilled.

“When Aaron Boone sent that message, I thought, ‘Wow, this is fantastic,’” Hammock shared on Monday.

Hammock believes that fellow Northern Illinois alumnus Rick Cerrone might have given Boone his number. Cerrone, the editor of Baseball Digest, previously worked with the Yankees.

The Yankees lead the American League, and if they triumph in the World Series, might Hammock send Boone a congratulatory text in return?

“Absolutely!” he replied with excitement. “I’ve saved that message and that number. I hope it happens.”

While luck is often a factor, Hammock’s Huskies showed last week they can win without relying on it.

NIU Huskies Adopt ‘No Luck Needed’ Philosophy Against Notre Dame

The first time Hammock introduced this mindset, the team reacted enthusiastically.

“We don’t need luck,” he declared in a team meeting, cleverly playing off their opponent, the lucky leprechauns.

This four-word mantra became the motivating force for NIU. They didn’t need to be superheroes, just play their best and trust that it would be enough. No luck was needed.

“It resonated with the entire team,” stated senior linebacker Jaden Dolphin. “As the week progressed, we kept emphasizing: We don’t need luck.”

The veterans on Northern Illinois recognized their capability to compete against Power Five opponents. They had previously beaten Boston College and Georgia Tech. Hammock, a former running back, played a key role in their memorable 2002 win against Wake Forest.

While those teams may not carry Notre Dame’s legacy, Hammock felt his Huskies were well-suited to challenge an opponent ranked No. 7 in the US LBM coaches poll.

“I envisioned how the game would unfold, and it went as I expected,” Hammock commented. “We stayed competitive enough to create a winning opportunity.”

The Huskies are a seasoned team, with many members involved during their MAC championship run in 2021.

This includes senior running back Antario Brown, who rushed for 99 yards, received 126 yards, and scored the game’s only touchdown against Notre Dame.

With the transfer portal being tempting for stars from Group of Five, Brown considered his options after a standout junior year. He met with Hammock, expressing his desire to enter the portal. However, that night he called Hammock, saying he had changed his mind. He opted to stay.

Hammock emphasizes that Brown’s decision showcases how personal relationships can be more vital than a chance at a bigger program.

“He is dedicated to NIU,” Hammock remarked. “He’s selective about who he lets into his circle, but I’ve been in that circle since Day 1. I believe he has trust in me, which means a great deal.”

Notre Dame scored first, but the Huskies quickly retaliated, tying the game when Brown caught a pass from Ethan Hampton for a touchdown.

Kanon Woodill took over from there.

NIU Kicker on Game-Winning Field Goal: ‘It’s Our Calling’

Woodill sensed that the outcome would hinge on a kick as the second half progressed.

Northern Illinois intercepted Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard in the fourth quarter while down by a single point. As the Huskies advanced down the field, Woodill consulted with special teams coordinator Adam Breske about the kicking range.

What yard line should the Huskies reach for Woodill to feel confident about attempting the game-winning field goal?

Woodill assessed that the 30-yard line might be possible, with the 25 being ideal.

Faced with a fourth-and-2 situation at the 31-yard line, offensive coordinator Wesley Beschorner called for a play-action pass. As the Irish defended Hampton’s receivers, he chose to run for the first down instead.

“I planted my foot and darted toward the field,” said Hampton, a fifth-generation Northern Illinois student who grew up cheering for the Huskies.

Hampton needed 2 yards and gained 3, securing the first down.

“At that moment, I felt confident that we could win,” Hampton expressed.

NIU advanced to the 18-yard line before bringing Woodill out for a 35-yard field goal attempt.

Woodill has a knack for rising to the occasion. As a freshman in 2021, he made a crucial 26-yard field goal that secured a victory over Central Michigan. He scored on a fake field goal in a bowl game win against Arkansas State last season.

“When it’s crunch time, that kid delivers,” Dolphin praised.

And once again, he delivered. Woodill’s kick went straight through the uprights.

“This is what we strive for,” Woodill stated. “It’s a privilege to handle that responsibility and pressure for the team. Sure, it’s a bit nerve-wracking, but in those moments, you focus on executing.”

With just enough time left, Notre Dame had one last chance to try and respond.

Was it a last-ditch effort or a risky long field-goal attempt? Hammock was astonished when the Irish went for the 62-yarder.

“I stood on the sideline trying to figure out the distance of that field goal,” Hammock recalled. “Sixty-two yards?”

Woodill usually feels uneasy about rooting for a kicker to fail, but this time the stakes were far too significant to be polite.

“I don’t like hoping a kicker misses,” Woodill admitted, “but I have to be honest. I was secretly wishing that the ball didn’t make it through the goalposts.”

The ball never reached the goalposts.

Cade Haberman achieved his second blocked field goal during the match.

Forget about luck; Northern Illinois simply outperformed the Irish.

The Huskies celebrated in the locker room with Waka Flocka Flame’s “Grove St. Party,” a song released in 2010 that has been their victory anthem for many seasons.

Is it time to refresh the playlist? Absolutely not. Traditions remain.

“That victory will be remembered for years,” Hampton stated, “and we’ll reminisce about it two decades from now when we’re older and balder.”

Northern Illinois Creates a Shocking Upset Over Notre Dame Football

Hammock had envisioned this moment. Literally.

He had a dream about NIU’s match against Notre Dame the night before the game. In his dream, his team had the opportunity to clinch victory over the Irish with a last-second field goal.

He woke up before the kick took place.

“I have no idea how it turned out,” Hammock said. “I was left wondering which team won.”

He discovered the result later. Woodill successfully made the field goal, propelling the Huskies into the history books with impacts extending all the way to New York.

Blake Toppmeyer serves as the national college football columnist for the YSL News Network. You can  follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer.