No Compromise With Weis

Charlie Weis is not compromising his Sugar Bowl curfew policy and to show he means business, he does many of the bed checks. Players had better be in their beds or they’re heading home.

"I had bed check (Thursday night),” he said. “It was late, but they know if they are not there they are going home. Case closed. Non-negotiable. I don't know if there were people running up the stairs two minutes beforehand, but I did bed check and everyone was there sleeping or faking like they were sleeping."

Also, the Irish have a connection with Louisiana State with running backs coach Mike Haywood. He coached running backs and special teams at LSU from 1995-2002. He spent two years as running backs coach at Texas before coming to Notre Dame.

Ironically, LSU and Texas both won national titles the year after Haywood left.

"I'm trying to get rid of him,” Weis said with a laugh. “I told him I am trying to get him a job so we could have a chance."

That, of course, is a story for next year. For now, the Irish are looking to exploit their underdog role and upset the Tigers. Weis is continuing his practice policy of having short, up-tempo sessions to ensure his players start Wednesday’s game at full speed.

Speed and fast starts are crucial if Notre Dame is to end its eight-bowl losing streak. There’s no compromise there.