IrishIllustrated.com - Weis: I've not heard a word

November 15, 2008

Tim Prister
IrishIllustrated.com Senior Editor

Hear no evil, read no evil.

That was Charlie Weis' approach this week as the critics nipped at his heels after back-to-back losses to Pittsburgh and Boston College dropped Notre Dame's '08 record to 5-4 and Weis' two-season mark to 8-13.

"I don't hear one word you say, so it would be a moot point to carry on with the conversation," said Weis, cutting off a member of the media who attempted to ask a question pertaining to the controversy swirling around the program.

"I've not listened to one word, not read one word, and anything you're saying would be news to me, so I really don't care. I really don't care what you or anyone else has said this week."

Weis also said he isn't na? about the criticism he is receiving following Notre Dame's anemic offensive performance in the 17-0 loss at Boston College last weekend.

"I'm not dumb," said a laughing Weis. "I can do the math and figure what's being said without me having to pick up the paper. You don't think I'm annoyed enough on my own? I don't need somebody else to tell me. No one is more annoyed than me...no one."

Weis is encouraged heading into the weekend, claiming his players will be emotionally ready to play after a positive week of preparation.

"This week went pretty well for two reasons," Weis said. "First of all, the defense played well (against Boston College), so other than losing the game, they weren't in the tank. And the offense had the head coach in all their meetings, so that created an obvious, additional sense of urgency."

Weis will resume calling plays this weekend after offensive coordinator Mike Haywood missed Wednesday night's meetings and all of Thursday's preparations when he returned home to Houston to attend his cousin's funeral.

Weis expects to be on the sideline Saturday after his right knee locked up Monday night. He received a shot in the right knee Tuesday and was feeling better as the week of preparation wrapped up.

"I'm going to be popping a few pain pills and I'll be standing on the sideline," Weis chuckled.

Weis expects the usual Navy effort as the Midshipmen shoot for their second straight victory over Notre Dame following 43 straight losses.

"Navy is going to show up the same way every time they play," Weis said. "There's not one game they don't show up. I have a lot of respect for them."

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