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?
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.
Team | Opponent | Amount | Date |
Alabama | Western Kentucky | $1.9 million | Aug. 31 |
Auburn | New Mexico | $1.9 million | Sept. 14 |
Georgia | UMass | $1.9 million | Nov. 23 |
Michigan | Fresno State | $1.85 million | Aug. 31 |
Michigan | Arkansas State | $1.8 million | Sept. 14 |
Ohio State | Akron | $1.8 million | Aug. 31 |
Ohio State | Western Michigan | $1.8 million | Sept. 7 |
Texas | Colorado State | $1.8 million | Aug. 31 |
Texas | UTSA | $1.7 million | Sept. 14 |
LSU | South Alabama | $1.65 million | Sept. 28 |
Nebraska | UTEP | $1.65 million | Aug. 31 |
Ohio State | Marshall | $1.6 million | Sept. 21 |
Ole Miss | Middle Tennessee | $1.6 million | Sept. 7 |
Texas A&M | Bowling Green | $1.6 million | Sept. 21 |