Notre Dame hopes to avoid slow start against LSU

In both of Notre Dame's losses, the Irish fell behind early and never recovered.
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- In Notre Dame's two biggest games this season, the Fighting Irish fell behind early and never recovered.
Coach Charlie Weis knows Notre Dame needs to avoid a similar start against No. 4 LSU in the Sugar Bowl.
"In the couple games that we've lost, we've gotten behind early in the game and tried to climb back into it and weren't able to do that," Weis said Tuesday. "I think that we have to make sure we avoid that pitfall in this game or else we'll be in for a long night."
The Irish (10-2) fell behind 20-7 en route to a 47-21 loss to the Michigan on Sept. 16 and 14-3 in a 44-24 loss to USC on Nov. 25.
What makes the problem even more worrisome is that LSU has been at its best in the first quarter -- outscoring opponents 122-20 -- while the Irish have been at their worst, barely outscoring opponents 85-81.
The problem, Weis said, has been big plays. It's a theme that's been recurring in Weis' two seasons at Notre Dame. But while the defense has frequently been blamed for giving up big plays, particularly in last season's loss to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl, this year everyone has had a hand in the problem.
Against Michigan, Brady Quinn threw one of his five interceptions this season on the game's second play and the Wolverines returned it for a touchdown. Then Mario Manningham had a TD catch of 69 yards and Michigan forced a fumble on Notre Dame's kickoff return to set up another touchdown. So offense, defense and special teams each gave up a big play in the first quarter.
Against USC, the first two passes John David Booty completed were for 20 and 21 yards. Then Desmond Reed returned a punt 43 yards and Booty threw a 25-yard pass to set up USC's second score.
LSU has an even more potent offense than either Michigan or USC, averaging 404 yards a game.
"I think it's important we make them be patient in what they have to do and not give up a big play," Weis said.
Weis said the Irish plan to work this week on ways to keep drives going offensively and ways of getting off the field defensively to try to slow the Tigers (10-2), who essentially will be a home team playing down the road from Death Valley, where they were 8-0 this season.
The Irish will be seeking to end an eight-game bowl losing streak.
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