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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

Historical Perspective: Rice Week

Series History:

  • Notre Dame is 4-0 all-time against Rice. The Irish picked up wins in 1915 (55-2), 1973 (28-0), 1974 (10-3) and 1988 (54-11).
  • In 1973, 1974 and 1988, the Irish were ranked ninth, sixth and first in the nation, respectively, at the time of the matchups with the Owls.
The Observer from Oct. 15, 1973.
The Observer from Oct. 15, 1973.
  • In 1988, the Irish were the No. 1 team in the nation. Notre Dame went on the win the national championship.
  • In the 1988 victory, Irish flanker Raghib “Rocket” Ismail returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, scores of 78 and 83 yards, respectively. Ismail holds the program record with five career kickoff return touchdowns.
The Observer from Nov. 7, 1988.
Observer
The Observer from Nov. 7, 1988.
The Observer from Nov. 7, 1988.
The Observer from Nov. 7, 1988.

 

Week One History:

  • In last year’s season-opening win over Temple, Irish quarterback Tommy Rees threw for 346 yards, the most by a Notre Dame signal-caller in the first game of a season in program history.
  • Former Irish receiver Jim Seymour put together a record-setting performance in the 1966 season opener against Purdue. Seymour hauled in 13 receptions for 276 yards and three touchdowns.
  • Former Irish linebacker Courtney Watson racked up 18 tackles in the 2001 season opener against No. 5 Nebraska (a 27-10 loss for No. 17 Notre Dame).
  • In 2002 against Maryland, former Irish cornerback Shane Walton recorded three interceptions en route to the 22-0 win over the Terrapins.
  • No. 19 Notre Dame stormed back from a 19-point deficit to defeat Washington State, 29-26, in overtime in 2003.
  • The last time Notre Dame faced Michigan in the first week of the season, the Irish topped the Wolverines, 36-20, in 1998. Notre Dame defeated the defending co-national champions, who were quarterbacked by New England Patriots three-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady.
The Observer from Sept. 7, 1998.
The Observer from Sept. 7, 1998.