Notre Dame Dominates Rice in Week Two Matchup

Sep 12

3 min read

Via USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Marcus Freeman earned his first FBS win in a season home-opener as Notre Dame put together a complete performance in their 52-0 victory over Rice.

The Notre Dame defense set the tempo in this matchup by forcing three fumbles in the first two defensive possessions of the game, which included a 24-yard fumble recovery touchdown by Boubacar Traore.

The Irish pitched a shutout and held Rice to 128 yards, the fewest in a single game during Freeman's tenure. Seeing linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa was an encouraging sight, as the preseason All-American showcased his unique blend of speed, size, and physicality.

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CJ Carr finished his day 16-for-20, with 253 yards, and four touchdowns. The Heisman candidate was in complete control commanding the offense and delivering accurate passes. Three of his four incompletions came on drops, two by the tight ends and one by Aneyas Williams, but he was able to get multiple wide receivers involved in the passing game.

The Irish ended the game with nine players totaling 20+ receiving yards. Jordan Faison continues the lead the charge among that group, scoring two first quarter touchdowns.

Jaden Greathouse was showcased in this one as well, as he caught all three of his targets, ending with 48 yards.

Jerome Bettis Jr. had the longest reception of the day, as the son of the Hall of Famer raced to a 56-yard reception.

Notre Dame also had the chance to give their two backup quarterbacks meaningful game reps. Noah Grubbs was first off the bench and showed an electric arm. Grubbs finished 7-for-11 for 78 yards. He seemed to have good control of the offense, making checks at the line of scrimmage and delivering accurate throws. The only type of throw that Grubbs struggled with were the downfield touch throws, but overall it was an encouraging performance.

Teddy Jarrard got to man the last drive of the game and showed good poise leading the unit.

While the passing game proved lethal, the Fighting Irish had another sluggish performance out of their running back room.

Nolan James Jr. scored two touchdowns, but only rushed for 29 yards, which is the same as the showcase running back Aneyas Williams. Williams finished with nine carries and only averaged 3.2 YPC.

The Irish were able to get highly-touted freshman Jonaz Walton in the game, who ended the game as the team's leading rusher with 48 yards on eight carries; however the difference between the rushing game of years past is evident.

Overall, the Irish were able to snap the stream of Week 2 losses under the Freeman era, and show how impressive this Notre Dame team can be.

It was an extremely encouraging effort, and provided the Irish another performance to build upon as they face off against Michigan State next week under the lights at Notre Dame Stadium.

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