Huskies Football | UW vs. Notre Dame preview

At stake: Washington's last chance at a non-losing season and a bowl game is to win the rest of its games, starting today. If UW wins its last six, it would almost certainly get a bowl game because of the Pac-10's contractual agreements. A loss, however, would ensure a fifth straight losing season, and fourth straight under Tyrone Willingham, whose fate will almost certainly be sealed with another defeat. Notre Dame, at 4-2, needs to win out to stay in the hunt for a BCS bowl.

What to expect: A lot of passes. Notre Dame has gone to a lot of three- and four-receiver sets to get maximum use out of QB Jimmy Clausen's arm. And going against a UW defense rated last in the nation in pass efficiency, the Irish might throw even more than usual. Washington will again likely try to get its running game going to keep its defense off the field. That hasn't worked much this year, but with the running backs getting healthier, the Huskies might have more luck — and might have a trick or two up their sleeve, as well.

Notes: The teams have played six times and Notre Dame has won all six, including three at Husky Stadium. The most recent was a 36-17 win in 2005 in Seattle. Notre Dame won 38-3 in South Bend in 2004 when Willingham was still coach of the Irish. Notre Dame's other visits to Seattle came in 1949 (27-7) and 1995 (29-21). Notre Dame's wins against UW have come by an average of 38-11. ... Washington is 0-6 for the first time since 1969, when it started 0-9 before winning the Apple Cup. This is only the second time a Notre Dame team has played against one of its former coaches, the other coming in 2005 against Willingham and the Huskies. ... Both teams are young — UW has just five senior starters, Notre Dame nine. ... Notre Dame is 4-0 at home but 0-2 on the road, losing at Michigan State and North Carolina. UW is 0-4 at home this season and 6-17 at Husky Stadium under Willingham. ... Notre Dame is coming off a bye and is 2-1 off byes under coach Charlie Weis and 28-5 since 1984. ... Notre Dame is 79-41-6 against Pac-10 teams. The teams will play again next year in South Bend on Oct. 3. ... Notre Dame will also play Washington State next season, Oct. 31 in San Antonio.

Injuries: UW — G Casey Bulyca (knee), RB Chris Polk (shoulder), QB Jake Locker (broken thumb), WR Chancellor Young (knee), S Darin Harris (concussion), CB Byron Davenport (knee) out; DE Kalani Aldrich (unknown) questionable; RB David Freeman (ankles), LB Josh Gage (foot) probable.

Notre Dame — OT Paul Duncan (hip) out for the season; WR David Grimes (back) questionable.

Prediction: Irish have a lot of statistical edges, and a seemingly huge matchup edge with its passing game against UW's pass defense. X-factor is how much intensity UW players bring. Expect a fired-up effort early by UW but Notre Dame's offense will eventually prove too much. Notre Dame, 35-27.

Bob Condotta

5 p.m. at Husky Stadium

TV: ESPN2 Radio: KJR (950)

The line: Notre Dame by 10