Rice vs. Notre Dame Prediction: Week 2 Odds & Expert Picks (Saturday, Sept. 12)

The No. 3 Notre Dame Irish overcame a sluggish first half on Sunday night to easily roll against Wisconsin, but could the short Irish turnaround be to the Rice Owls’ advantage in Week 2?

My Rice vs. Notre Dame predictions give the Owls some hope thanks to their unique offense, but only so much of it come kickoff at 3:30 ET on Saturday, Sept. 12, on NBC in South Bend.

🏈 Rice vs. Notre Dame picks & predictions

See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 2 based on the latest college football odds.

Total wagered: 2.04 units | Max profit: +2.0 units

💰 Rice vs. Notre Dame prediction & best bet

Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.

First Half Over 31.5 (+110 via DraftKings)

Rice runs a unique offense, one that can confuse teams when they first see it. In that regard, lessened film study in a short week could be particularly frustrating for Notre Dame, most so early.

The Irish should make halftime adjustments that shut down the Owls for the third quarter, but before the break, simply one bad defensive fit could be enough to propel this game toward a first-half Over.

If Notre Dame has to carry the scoring load all on its own in the first half, 32 points may be too many. But Rice’s shotgun option with a horizontal emphasis could catch the Irish on their heels just one too many times, taking some of the scoring burden off CJ Carr and Notre Dame in this possible Over.

Score prediction: Notre Dame 52, Rice 17

📊 Rice vs. Notre Dame odds 

See the latest college football odds for every Week 2 matchup.

📺 How to watch Rice vs. Notre Dame: Week 2

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
• Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Notre Dame Stadium (Notre Dame, Ind.)
• TV: NBC