Story perspectives

Notre Dame hosts Rice Sept. 12 after Wisconsin rout

9/9/2026

Summary

Notre Dame Favored

Notre Dame will host Rice on September 12 at 2:30 p.m.
Notre Dame rose to No. 3 in the AP poll after a 41-13 win over Wisconsin.
Rice entered after a 31-3 win over Houston Christian and is #3 nationally in rushing offense.
Running back Quinton Jackson suffered a Week 1 injury and will miss the game.
Analysts list Notre Dame as a 44.5-point favorite and predict a 52–3 or 52–10 blowout.

Summary

Freeman Embraces Darkness

Coach Marcus Freeman said the team will “work in the dark” at fall camp.
Freshman safety Luke Talich earned a start after replacing injured Tae Johnson.
Freeman noted the Irish needed faster starts, citing a 28-3 halftime lead over Wisconsin.
Freeman praised defensive lineman Anthonie Knapp’s practice habits, likening him to former first-round pick Joe Alt.
Freeman said the squad’s mental toughness showed players were ready for practice days after Wisconsin.

History

Historical Context

Notre Dame’s 1993 season, led by Lou Holtz, finished 12-0 with a 21-16 Rose Bowl win and earned the AP No. 1 spot, cementing the program’s fourth-highest winning percentage in FBS history. In 2024, Marcus Freeman’s Irish, ranked No. 3, enter the Rice game as 44.5-point favorites, hoping to echo that championship dominance.

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Notre Dame Favored

Notre Dame will host Rice on September 12 at 2:30 p.m.
Notre Dame rose to No. 3 in the AP poll after a 41-13 win over Wisconsin.
Rice entered after a 31-3 win over Houston Christian and is #3 nationally in rushing offense.
Running back Quinton Jackson suffered a Week 1 injury and will miss the game.
Analysts list Notre Dame as a 44.5-point favorite and predict a 52–3 or 52–10 blowout.

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