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No. 3 Notre Dame Faces Familiar Triple-Option Offense when It Returns Home to Face Rice
Rice’s rare triple-option offense averaged 458 total yards in its opener, while Notre Dame will be without two starters.
- On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Notre Dame hosts Rice in its 2026 home opener, marking the first meeting between the programs since 2014.
- Since 2021, Notre Dame has lost four September home games, including upsets by Marshall and Northern Illinois, creating urgency to protect home field.
- Running back Andre Hardeman leads Rice's run-heavy triple-option offense after rushing for a career-high 77 yards in the Owls' 31-3 victory over Houston Christian.
- Linebacker Jaiden Ausberry has faced option schemes like Navy and Army throughout his career with the Fighting Irish, preparing him for Rice's approach.
- Both teams face roster challenges Saturday; Rice will miss running back Quinton Jackson while Notre Dame rules out safety Brauntae Johnson and defensive tackle Jason Onye.
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13 Articles
13 Articles
The Daily Advance+7 Reposted by 7 other sources
No. 3 Notre Dame faces familiar triple-option offense when it returns home to face Rice
Notre Dame linebacker Jaiden Ausberry recognizes Rice’s triple-option offense. He has prepared for some version of it each of his previous three seasons with the Fighting Irish — against Army and Navy. He’ll see it again Saturday when No. 3…
South Bend TribuneReposted by 
USA Today
USA TodayPlayers to watch, game predictions as Notre Dame football faces Rice
After nine months of no games that mattered, No. 4 Notre Dame football will play for the second time in seven days as it hosts Rice in 2026 home debut
·South Bend, United States
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Injuries will keep two starters out for No. 3 Notre Dame for 'a couple weeks'
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman says safety Brauntae Johnson and defensive lineman Jason Onye have been ruled out of Saturday’s home opener against Rice and are expected to miss “a couple weeks.” Both starters suffered left foot injuries during the…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Center
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
54% Center
L 38%
C 54%
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