Oct. 26, 2000

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – We have one game left in this four-game schedule. Our team approached this season in sections, which are separated by the bye weekends.

It is ridiculous to say that this team in the midst of the weaker part of its schedule. To prove that, all you have to do is look at college football and the amount of competitive teams. After playing West Virginia, the team agreed it was the most talented team we have played all year.

Our remaining games are against some of our biggest rivals. In 1996, Air Force came in here and beat us. Boston College beat us last year. USC is always a talented football team.

This team spends more time focusing on itself, rather than on the opponents. This football team is mature and will focus on the task at hand. If it does not, the coaching staff will be there to make sure the team focuses on the target.

With us approaching the schedule the way we have, there has not been discussion about any games down the line. The only thing we are looking forward to is the open date. We are putting every ounce of juice into this weekend’s game against Air Force.

Air Force’s main threat is they are an academy team with a wishbone offense. What makes them different and more and explosive is they throw the ball well. They combine option football with a good passing game, which is my biggest concern.

Air Force is good football team, which will come in here and play their best football game. The light at the end of the tunnel for us is the open date the following week. We need it.