Former Alabama kicker hits game-winner vs. ranked team, flips the bird to opponents

Former Alabama kicker Upton Bellenfant put the game-winner through the uprights for the Buffalo Bulls on Saturday, sealing a 23-20 win over the ranked Northern Illinois Huskies in overtime action.

And with that, he sent 20,000 Huskies fans home by flipping the double bird to them.

With this, Buffalo has upset Northern Illinois not long at all after Northern Illinois upset Notre Dame. Such is the unpredictable world of college football.

This marks just the second time in history that Buffalo has knocked off a ranked opponent, marking a milestone for both the team and Bellenfant.

Bellenfant says the 37-yarder was just another kick to him.

“To me, it was just another kick,” said Bellenfant, who became Buffalo’s starting kicker just last week. “Kind of a magic story out there. Everything went right.

“It really gives us hope we can go undefeated the rest of the season.”

Here’s a look at the play and the reaction:

https://twitter.com/UBFootball/status/1837638178229899600

Ever send home 20k fans with a double bird and a big L? @ubellenfant25 has. #Legend #Clutch

Hey, @PatMcAfeeShow, the Buffalo Bulls got themselves a dog at kicker and a top 25 road win. pic.twitter.com/66nOuT9LWy

— Scott Wilson (@ScottWilsonBUF) September 22, 2024

Buffalo will look to build upon its success as the Bulls take on the UConn Huskies on Saturday. Bellenfant will be feeling confident heading into that nonconference matchup. We’ll see if his heroics are needed again in Week 5 against the Huskies.

We know he has the confidence to knock through a game-winning kick if needed.

Crissy Froyd

Crissy covers SEC football news for Saturday Down South.