Notre Dame Football: Top 10 Quarterbacks In Modern Fighting Irish History
#3 Tony Rice 1986-1989
Tony Rice doesn’t hold any passing records for the Irish, and that doesn’t matter. In fact, the most impressive number that pertains to Rice is “48.” Rice was a Prop 48 player and had to sit out his freshman year. In today’s world he would have never been a student at Notre Dame. The fact remains, however, is that he made it to Notre Dame and he made it at Notre Dame.
Rice led Notre Dame to a 24-1 record in the 1988 and 1989 seasons and helped the Irish win a national title in 1988. That 1988 season was magical and holds the Miami victory and another HUGE win over the #2 ranked Trojans in Los Angeles. That year saw Notre Dame get wins over the #1, #2, and #3 ranked teams in the country.
Rice was a true leader on the field and equally dangerous. His running ability was exactly what Lou Holtz wanted to help run the option style offense that he employed, but he could do more than enough with his arm to connect with some of the most dangerous targets in Notre Dame history in guys like Raghib Ismail and Ricky Watters. Rice will forever be a legend at Notre Dame and deservedly belongs in a debate for #1 on this list with career record and championship ring.
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