Notre Dame vs Rice Prediction & Betting Tips for Week 2 on 9/12/2026

The Rice Owls head to Notre Dame Stadium for an intriguing Week 2 game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Both teams come into this contest with a 1-0 record, having secured decisive victories in their season openers. Rice demonstrated a dominant rushing game in their 31-3 victory over Houston Christian, while Notre Dame displayed a balanced offensive attack in their 41-13 win over Wisconsin.

Rice's offense flourished on the ground, amassing an impressive 474 rushing yards against Houston Christian. This ground attack will be put to the test against a Notre Dame defense that allowed only 67 rushing yards in their game against Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Notre Dame's offense will look to continue its efficient performance after gaining 239 passing yards and 111 rushing yards in their season opener.

Playing at home, Notre Dame enters the game as a strong favorite with a significant spread, showcasing their prominence as the fourth-ranked team in the nation. Rice, eager to pull off an upset, will aim to capitalize on their momentum from Week 1. With both teams eager to maintain their perfect start, this game offers plenty of excitement for fans tuning in on NBC.

Notre Dame vs Rice At a Glance

• Game Venue: Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, IN, an outdoor field.
• Game Timing: Scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 3:30 PM.
• Broadcast: Available on NBC.
• Current Records: Both Rice Owls and Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 1-0 this season.
• Game Odds: Rice Moneyline at +8000 and Rice Spread at +44.5 (-110).
• Weather Forecast: Not provided, but being an outdoor field, weather could play a role.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A Look at Their Home Turf Dominance

Offensive Overview

Notre Dame's offense demonstrated its potency in the 2026 season opener with 41 points against Wisconsin. They accumulated 239 passing yards, placing them 67th nationally in that category. Their rushing game, however, lagged slightly with 111 yards, ranking 94th.

The Fighting Irish scored 504 points in the 2025 season, securing the 5th spot nationally. With 3061 passing yards, they ranked 42nd, showing a strong aerial attack. Their rushing attack was also formidable, achieving 2472 yards, ranking 20th.

Defensive Strengths

Notre Dame's defense showcased its strength, allowing only 13 points against Wisconsin, ranking them 9th nationally in points against. The defensive line also delivered with two sacks, ranked 6th, demonstrating their ability to pressure the quarterback. Their secondary contributed with one interception and one fumble recovery, both ranked 2nd.

In the previous season, the defense allowed 211 points, placing them 63rd. They recorded 35 sacks, ranking 7th, and 21 interceptions, placing them 22nd, underscoring their defensive capabilities.

Key Players to Watch

CJ Carr, the starting quarterback, threw for 239 yards and two touchdowns in the season opener. Aneyas Williams was effective on the ground, rushing for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Jordan Faison caught four passes for 81 yards, leading the receiving corps.

Spencer Porath, the kicker, was perfect with two field goals and five extra points against Wisconsin. The tight end position saw contributions from James Flanigan, who had two receptions for 10 yards and a touchdown.

Upcoming Schedule

The Fighting Irish will host the Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium on September 12th. Following that, they will face the Michigan State Spartans at home on September 19th. The schedule also includes home games against Stanford, Navy, and Miami.

Injury Concerns

The team faces several injury concerns with key players like Jason Onye and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa listed as questionable. Charles Jagusah and Matty Augustine are out, impacting the offensive line. Defensive contributors like Christopher Burgess Jr. and Chaz Smith will also miss the start of the season.

Notre Dame Top Betting Trends

• SU - After Win: Last 20 Games → 19-1 (95.0%)
• SU - All Games: Last 23 Games → 21-2 (91.3%)
• SU - As Favorite: Last 23 Games → 21-2 (91.3%)
• SU - Home Games: Last 24 Games → 21-3 (87.5%)
• SU - Totals ≥ 50: Last 9 Games → 9-0 (100.0%)

Rice Owls Prepare for the Notre Dame Challenge

Quarterback Analysis

Jacurri Brown and Gael Ochoa are leading the charge at quarterback for the Owls. Both have shown potential early in the season, each with five passing attempts but still seeking to make a significant impact in terms of touchdowns. Their combined efforts will be crucial against a strong Notre Dame defense.

Running Backs in Focus

Quinton Jackson, D'Andre Hardeman Jr., and Tyvonn Byars form a robust backfield for Rice. Jackson leads with 61 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Byars tops the chart with 104 rushing yards. Hardeman Jr. provides solid support with 77 yards, adding depth and versatility to the ground game.

Carson Morgan and Justin Powell add additional options, with Morgan's status uncertain due to an undisclosed injury. Powell has contributed minimally so far, but his presence could provide a change of pace when needed.

Wide Receivers and Special Teams

Davis Lane and Jordan Clark have emerged as key targets, combining for three receptions and 22 receiving yards. The Owls will need more production from this group to complement their rushing attack and provide balance to their offense.

On special teams, Enock Gota has been reliable, making one field goal and four extra points in their season opener. His consistency could be a deciding factor in close games.

Defensive Overview

The Rice defense shined in their opener, allowing just three points against Houston Christian. Their ability to generate pressure, with three sacks, and force turnovers will be pivotal against Notre Dame.

Maintaining this defensive intensity could be the key to pulling off an upset against a potent Fighting Irish offense. Their current ranking as second in points allowed is a testament to their early-season form.

Team Betting Trends

• O/U - Home Games: 20-9 (69.0%) over the last 29 games.
• ATS - After Loss: 18-11 (62.1%) over the last 29 games.
• O/U - After Win: 4-1 (80.0%) over the last 5 games in 2025.
• SU - As Favorite: 14-8 (63.6%) over the last 22 games.
• ATS - As Underdog: 18-12 (60.0%) over the last 30 games.

Notre Dame vs Rice Prediction: Notre Dame -44.5

Notre Dame, coming off a strong 41–13 win over Wisconsin, looks poised to continue their dominant form. Ranked #4 and playing at home, they present a challenging matchup for the Rice Owls. With a track record of 21-2 in their last 23 games, Notre Dame's confidence and momentum are undeniable.

Rice, while off to a positive start with a 31–3 victory against Houston Christian, faces a steep challenge. Historically, Rice has struggled in games as heavy underdogs. Their previous postseason loss to Texas State, 41–10, further indicates potential vulnerabilities against high-caliber teams like Notre Dame.

The spread of -44.5 for Notre Dame suggests expectations of a one-sided game. Given their high scoring offense and resilient defense, Notre Dame is well-equipped to cover this spread. The Owls' defense, despite an impressive start, will likely face difficulties containing Notre Dame's multifaceted offensive strategies.

Projected final score supports Notre Dame's dominance, with a 56-10 victory over Rice. This margin aligns well with the spread, indicating a comfortable cover for the Fighting Irish.

• Notre Dame vs Rice Prediction: Notre Dame -44.5
• Notre Dame vs Rice Score: Notre Dame 56 - Rice 10

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