Overview
- The 52-0 win, which came Saturday, Sept. 12, saw Notre Dame score on a scoop-and-score 14 seconds into the game and build a 42-0 halftime lead.
- Quarterback C.J. Carr completed 16 of 20 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns before backups entered in the third quarter.
- Notre Dame's defense forced four turnovers, converted those opportunities into 21 points overall and finished with eight tackles for loss while holding Rice to 128 total yards.
- Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa returned from injury to tie for the team lead with five tackles, record 1.5 tackles for loss and recover a fumble, and coach Marcus Freeman praised the way younger players earned meaningful reps.
- Freeman called the result a step forward rather than a finished product, citing continued issues with the running game, occasional penalties and drops as areas to clean up before games against Michigan State and Purdue.