Notre Dame Shuts Out Rice 52-0, Forces Five Fumbles
Notre Dame dominated Rice with a 52-0 shutout, forcing five fumbles and recovering four. The Irish outgained Rice 478-128 and had 12 different receivers catch passes. It was their first shutout since 2022.
The shutout was Notre Dame's first since a 44-0 win over Boston College in November 2022. Safety Adon Shuler's early hit set the tone, with Boubacar Traore recovering the fumble for a touchdown just 14 seconds into the game. The Irish defense kept forcing turnovers throughout, including on Rice's final possession, and held the Owls to 128 total yards.
Quarterback CJ Carr played only one possession into the second half but threw four touchdowns with just four incompletions. The running game was less productive, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, though Nolan James Jr. scored twice. The win marks Notre Dame's first 2-0 start since 2023, setting up a marquee matchup with Michigan State next Saturday night in South Bend.
This result could reinforce Notre Dame's early-season momentum and raise expectations for the Michigan State game, which now carries added weight for both programs. The lopsided margin may influence poll voters and playoff discussions, though Rice's relative weakness tempers that enthusiasm. For Irish fans, the first shutout in nearly four years could build confidence in the defense, while the team's depth—evidenced by 12 receivers catching passes—may signal a more complete roster than in recent seasons.