Notre Dame vs Rice Prediction: Can the Irish Hit the Curveball?
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Notre Dame did just fine on its world tour of grievances.
The Irish showed against Wisconsin just how focused they are on making a statement. After being ignored by the College Football Playoff committee last season, they’re going to try to crush everything in their path.
In comes Rice, a very well-coached team with a funky rushing style that might just give Notre Dame a few problems.
Notre Dame vs Rice: Quick Hits
- Notre Dame needed about a half to get going, and then it took over against Wisconsin in the 41-13 win. Next up is Michigan State.
- Rice was wonderful in the 31-3 win over Houston Christian to open up the season. It gets a suddenly dangerous game against Western Michigan next.
- It’s the sixth time these two have met. Notre Dame beat Rice 55-2 to end the 1915 campaign and won 48-17 to open the 2014 season. The Irish are 5-0 against the Owls.
How To Watch Notre Dame vs Rice
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: NBC
Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
Why Rice Will Win
The running game has the curveball to potentially give the Irish a problem.
The only chance a team like Rice has is to get its high-octane, misdirection, precision running game working. The Owls ran 69 times for 458 yards against Houston Christian, and most importantly, they kept the ball for well over 39 minutes.
It’s a nasty offense to try to replicate in practice – Notre Dame will have to deal with it at live speed.
Why Notre Dame Will Win
How do you beat a team with a running attack like Rice runs? You own the interior, stay disciplined on the outside, and let the linebackers take care of the rest.
Wisconsin couldn’t run the ball a lick, with fantastic-running quarterback Colton Joseph held to three yards. The Badgers didn’t have a run of longer than eight yards.
The real star of the win in Lambeau was the Irish offensive line that took over in the second half. The Badger defensive front couldn’t hold up, the Irish battered away, and it was over.
Notre Dame vs Rice Prediction, Betting Lines
(Cover your ears, Notre Dame fans.)
It’s Week 2. What happened last year in Week 2? Texas A&M 41, Notre Dame 40. Fine, that’s Texas A&M. What happened in Week 2 of the 2024 season? Northern Illinois 16, Notre Dame 14. How about in Week 2 in 2022? Marshall 26, Notre Dame 21. The Irish have lost their last three Week 2 games against FBS teams.
Rice will have its moments, but there won’t be any panic after the Irish give up a few early scores. Just like the Wisconsin game, the Notre Dame ground attack and toughness will take over when needed.
Notre Dame 48, Rice 10
Latest Consensus Line: Notre Dame -44.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos