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Rice and Michigan State earn victories ahead of Notre Dame schedule

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 3:46 PM

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

Rice and Michigan State earn victories ahead of Notre Dame schedule

Summary

The next two opponents on the Notre Dame football schedule recorded opening week victories. Rice dominated Houston Christian in a 31-3 win, relying on a ground game that produced 465 yards on 70 attempts. Running back Tyvonn Byars led the Owls with 104 rushing yards. Michigan State secured a 30-20 victory against Toledo in the debut of head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Despite letting a 19-7 halftime lead slip in the fourth quarter, quarterback Alessio Milivojevic connected on 26 of 34 passes for 247 yards to help reclaim the lead. Notre Dame is set to host Rice on September 12 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Irish will then play Michigan State in the Megaphone Trophy rivalry game on September 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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By the Numbers

•Rice defeated Houston Christian 31-3 behind 465 rushing yards.
•Tyvonn Byars recorded 104 rushing yards for Rice on 16 carries.
•Michigan State beat Toledo 30-20 in Pat Fitzgerald’s coaching debut.
•Alessio Milivojevic threw for 247 yards for Michigan State.
•Notre Dame hosts Rice on September 12 and Michigan State on September 19.

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3:46 PMYahoo Sports — Notre Dame’s next two opponents open season with wins

What they're saying

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Rice unveiled a punishing ground game, while Michigan State showed late-game poise. Here’s what Notre Dame can expect from its next two foes.
— Yahoo Sports

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