# Notre Dame vs Rice NCAA football matchup

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/notre-dame-vs-rice-ncaa-football-matchup
> Updated: 2026-09-10T23:46:32.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are preparing to host the Rice Owls for their home opener at Notre Dame Stadium. Both teams enter the matchup with 1-0 records following recent victories: Notre Dame defeated Wisconsin 41-13, while Rice defeated Houston Christian 31-3.

Notre Dame is considered a significant favorite. The ESPN Football Power Index (FPI) has projected the Irish’s win probability at 99.0%, and betting markets have set a point spread of 44.5 points in favor of Notre Dame. While Rice is noted for a heavy rushing attack, Notre Dame’s recent defensive performance limited Wisconsin to 67 rushing yards.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Notre Dame prepares to host Rice Owls for home opener

Notre Dame prepares to host the Rice Owls for their home opener following recent victories for both undefeated teams.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/notre-dame-prepares-to-host-rice-owls-for-home-opener

### 2026-09-08: Notre Dame Fighting Irish set to host Rice Owls in NCAA football matchup

Notre Dame faces the Rice Owls on September 12, with ESPN's FPI projecting a 99.0% win probability for the Fighting Irish.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/notre-dame-fighting-irish-set-to-host-rice-owls-in-ncaa-football-matchup

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Cite as: Notre Dame vs Rice NCAA football matchup. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/notre-dame-vs-rice-ncaa-football-matchup