Three keys for Notre Dame to defeat Rice in the 2026 home opener

Notre Dame football will begin its home portion of the 2026 schedule later today, and this week’s opponent, Rice, should pose as much of a challenge as the opener. The Irish rose in both polls, even though they didn’t put together a complete game, it was more than enough to impress nationally. The s

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What is the story about?

Notre Dame football will begin its home portion of the 2026 schedule later today, and this week’s opponent, Rice, should pose as much of a challenge as the opener.

The Irish rose in both polls, even though they didn’t put together a complete game, it was more than enough to impress nationally. The schedule eases up for a game, although after facing the Owls, two Big Ten teams, Michigan State

and Purdue, then North Carolina.

Notre Dame can’t afford to look ahead, as Rice poses some unique challenges of their own. Here are three keys for the Irish to secure win No. 2 ahead of a much more difficult part of the schedule.

Notre Dame’s defense contains Rice’s offense

Sep 6, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback DJ McKinney (2) intercepts a pass against Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Chris Brooks Jr. (2) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

At this point it’s hard to say which offense the Owls will deploy later today, as they ran for over 400-yards in their opener. The

passing wasn’t great, but since they run a different type of option offense, Notre Dame has to plan for a variety of different plays. Head coach Marcus Freeman believes that his team is ready for whatever Rice does, and I tend to believe him.

Notre Dame offense plays off the run

University of Notre Dame's Aneyas Williams (22) runs the ball against the University of Wisconsin during a football game on Sept. 6, 2026, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Notre Dame defeated Wisconsin 41-13.

We all saw how much different the offense looked when the Irish were able to run the ball, resulting in four second half touchdowns and an easy win over Wisconsin. Notre Dame tried to run the ball in the first half with little success, and a change at the line might have sparked the effort. It did seem like the intensity changed during the intermission, and if that was the case, the Irish need to keep it up. Teams know all about quarterback CJ Carr, and will try and stop him. If Notre Dame can run the ball effectively, it will make it a long afternoon for the Owls.

Notre Dame’s emotion are held in check

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman believes there's something about this Irish football team that won't fall into the trap of a Week Two letdown.

Home openers always bring a lot of emotions, especially players who might be starting their last season in South Bend. Multiple early entry players like Carr and cornerback Leonard Moore could leaving to the NFL, and the atmosphere will likely be rowdy. We saw last week during the first half the team having some jitters, and the hope is that they’re all out, and Notre Dame can focus on its effort and dominate.

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Three keys for Notre Dame to defeat Rice in the 2026 home opener