Notre Dame beat Texas A&M, so Notre Dame would surely ... to 28-point underdog Northern Illinois. Notre Dame didn’t compete with Northern Illinois, in part because it wasn’t ready.

Winter moisture has helped ease stress and another cold stretch expected, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The toughest game Notre Dame will play this season obviously is going to happen on Jan. 20, the College Football Playoff national championship game in Atlanta against either Ohio State or Texas ... 16 ...

Ball State Cardinals (15-4, 7-0 MAC) at Northern Illinois Huskies (8-10, 2-5 MAC) DeKalb, Illinois; Saturday, 2 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Northern Illinois hosts Ball State after Chelby Koker scored ...