Good time Charlie Weis disses the Cougs

CHARLIE WEIS APPARENTLY doesn't think much of Washington State's chances to stop his offense. Weis told the Chicago Sun-Times this week that his tight end, Kyle Rudolph, "should get open every time" he's covered one-on-one. Moreover, Weis said, he's putting his lowest-rung O-linemen on the travel squad in anticipation of the score being so lopsided as to put them in the game.

The 6-6, 260-pound Rudolph was a high school All-American who last year became the first tight end in Notre Dame history to start every game as a freshman. He caught 29 passes for 340 yards -- both freshman receiving records at South Bend.

So far this season he has 25 grabs for 287 yards and three TDs. But only four of those catches have come over the last two games.

The Irish are favored by 28. Kickoff is at 4:30 PT and the game will be televised nationally on NBC.

Weis said Notre Dame will be looking for a fast start against the Cougs, who have had lots of difficulties in the first quarter.

"We'd like to get on top of them early and go hard for the whole game and see if we can't put a game together, a full game together on offense, defense and special teams where you can walk out of the game with everyone gaining confidence," said Weis.

Notre Dame's season has been marked by a number of games decided in the final moment. For Washington State, however, Weis said he'll travel a number of their reserve offensive linemen in the hopes of getting them into the game.

"We're going travel a bunch of offensive linemen to the game, and we'd like to have an opportunity to play a bunch of them, but the game has to present itself in such a way where you can do that," said Weis.

Weis said the inclusion of Myron Beck when he comes onto the field holds special significance.

"Now the other linebacker who plays a whole bunch is Myron Beck, and he's really a critical factor in what they do. Because when Myron Beck plays, that signals the change over from a 4 3 defense to more of a 3 4 defense because then they go from their 4 man stuff to their odd pack. So you know he's a critical guy in what they do," said Weis.

One final Q & A from Weis from earlier this week:

Q. A lot of times in neutral sites fans start rooting for the underdog if they stay in the game?

COACH WEIS: I'm not expecting that to happen.