Stanford to face Rice for 2017 season opener in Australia

For the second straight season college football will kick off Down Under.

Stanford will take on Rice on Aug. 26 in Sydney, Australia, the Cardinal announced Monday.

"We're excited for the opportunity to kick off the college football season in Australia against Rice in what will certainly be a fantastic experience for our fan base and alumni," Stanford athletic director Bernard Muir said. "I'm especially thrilled that our student-athletes will have this unique opportunity before fall classes begin to visit a new country and experience a different culture."

Stanford has played one previous game outside of the United States, meeting Arizona in Japan in 1986.

Last season, Cal defeated Hawaii in the season opener in Australia.