NOTRE DAME, Ind. --- The 2014 football season has officially kicked off for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame as they take on the Rice Owls!

The Irish took to the scoreboard first with an 11 yard touchdown run by quarterback Everett Golson, making the score 7-0. 

Rice answered right back with a 26 yard touchdown pass to Zach Wright, tying the game all up at 7-7.

Everett Golson then completed the longest pass of his career on the very first play of the next drive, completing a 75 yard bomb to William Fuller for an Irish touchdown, giving the lead back to Notre Dame, 14-7.

After forcing a 3-and-out to end the first quarter, ND went on to a 75 yard drive. That drive was cut short however, forcing a 39 yard field goal attempt by Kyle Brindza. That attempt missed, though, leaving the score at 14-7 Irish.

With about five minutes left in the second quarter, the Owls offense went on a big 64 yard drive. Notre Dame's defense came up big though with a stop in the red zone. Rice settled for a 33 yard field goal by kicker James Hairston. The Irish lead has been cut down to 14-10. 

Everett Golson took to the ground again for the final score of the first half, running 14 yards for his second rushing touchdown of the game. That would bring the score to 21-10, Notre Dame.

Then on defense, Fighting Irish cornerback Matthias Farley made a huge interception that would put Notre Dame back on offense. Everett Golson then completed another huge pass, this one going for a 53 yard touchdown to C.J. Prosise. 

At halftime, the score stood at Notre Dame 28, Rice 10.

The Irish were the first to score in the second half also. After a 12 play, 53 yard drive, Notre Dame's offense was stopped by the Owls, forcing ND to attempt a field goal. The 36 yard attempt by Kyle Brindza was good, bringing the score to 31-10.

The game continued to be all about Everett Golson and the Fighting Irish offense as the quarterback rushed for yet another touchdown, this one a four yard run. That would be Golson's fifth touchdown of the game (three rushing and two passing) and make the score 38-10.

The Irish continued to pile on the points in the fourth quarter with another field goal from Kyle Brindza, this one a 29 yard kick. At 41-10, and only seven minutes left in the game, it was clear this game was a blowout.

The Rice Owls showed no quit though as quarterback Tyler Stehling completed a 53 yard pass to James Mayden for a touchdown, knocking the Irish lead down to 41-17.

It then took Notre Dame only three plays to drive 75 yards, ending with a rushing touchdown by Greg Bryant. That drive was mostly helped along by a 56 yard run by Malik Zaire. That touchdown would be the final score of the game as the Irish went on to beat the Owls 48-17!