Notre Dame whiffed in its two biggest games of the season, but will get one more chance to make a statement.

The Irish, advancing to a BCS game for the second consecutive season, will play LSU in the Sugar Bowl. That's another tall task for the Irish, who were beaten 47-21 by Michigan and 44-24 at USC.

Also consider that Notre Dame's last two losses of the 2005 season were to Ohio State and USC. Those were four mighty good teams.

"I'm cognizant of the fact that we have lost to really good football teams," coach Charlie Weis said. "That doesn't make it feel any better for me, the team, to our fans. I mean, losing is losing. So I understand, it's better than losing to a team that's not any good, but still, I hate losing."

Because of those losses to Michigan and USC, this hasn't been the season some thought it could be for the Irish, who were picked, in a few circles, to win the national championship. The defense hasn't been quick enough to handle teams with dynamic, big receivers. The offense struggled against athletic teams that could apply pressure on the quarterback.

LSU fits the bill on both of those counts.

But, still Weis has instilled a winning attitude around Notre Dame, and recruiting is already going well to back up last year's highly rated class.

Weis was asked how the loss to USC was playing out on the recruiting trail.

"I used the old reverse psychology type of deal. I said, 'Well, that's why we need you,'" Weis said.

"And they respond to that very favorably. They understand what you're saying. You're saying, 'You want to come on board? Let's go. This way, it won't be 44-24. We need players like you.'"

TURNING POINT: When Notre Dame lost to Michigan in the third week of the season, it basically ended a serious run at the national title for the Irish. There were some thrilling times after that -- including 19 fourth-quarter points to beat Michigan State by three, and a final-minute touchdown pass to edge UCLA -- but it was the game against the Wolverines that really defined what the season would be.

BOWL HISTORY: All-time record -- 13-14; Last bowl appearance -- Fiesta Bowl, 2006, Ohio State, lost 34-20.

MATCHUP TO WATCH: QB Brady Quinn vs. LSU S LaRon Landry -- It's All-America talent vs. All-America talent, as these college football veterans meet for the first time. They likely will meet again in the NFL. This not only will be a big matchup in the passing game, but Landry can really deliver a hit when he comes on a blitz, so Quinn always will have to be wary.

PRO PROSPECTS: QB Brady Quinn -- Could be the first quarterback selected in 2007. Quinn has excelled the past two years in coach Charlie Weis' pro-style system. He has the arm, the build (6-foot-4), the decision-making, the poise and the smarts to make it in the NFL -- and his wheels aren't bad, either.

WR Jeff Samardzija -- He's an amazing athlete at 6-5, 215. The question is whether he'll completely focus on football and give up his professional baseball career as a pitcher. He certainly has the physical tools to make it in the NFL, and he is as good as anybody in college at using his body to shield defenders to make the catch.

OT Ryan Harris -- He's been a four-year starter at left tackle and coach Charlie Weis says Harris can play the left side in the NFL. He could be a top-five tackle prospect, but he'll have to show consistency in his offseason workouts. His quick feet are his biggest asset, as he has the tools to hold off pass rushers.

SS Tom Zbikowski -- Has shown a penchant for the big play, both as a defender and as a punt returner. His toughness is unquestioned, as his pro boxing career shows. He is listed as a senior, but does have a year of eligibility remaining, if he wants it.

DE Victor Abiamiri -- Has played in every game over the past four seasons, but still has room to improve -- which is an encouraging sign. He had 10 sacks and 14 1/2 tackles for loss in the regular season, developing a variety of pass-rushing moves. Size and strength could be a bit better, but scouts like his athleticism and his upside, making him one of the most coveted prospects at DE.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm not sure if they were stale, flat or what. But I know we have a whole different schedule and a whole different approach. I've had a whole year to try to right that wrong. We're doing a bunch of things different this year than we did last year." -- Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, on his bowl preparation after last season's 34-20 defeat to Ohio State in the Fiesta.

GAME SNAPSHOT: Notre Dame vs. LSU, Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, Jan. 3, 8 p.m. ET -- A tough game for the Irish, given the location and LSU's overall strength and athleticism. The Tigers have one of the best defenses in the country and will provide a great challenge for coach Charlie Weis' pro-style offense. This will be the final go-round for a talented Notre Dame senior class, so the game is sure to be played at a fever-pitch in an emotionally-charged Superdome.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: This is it for senior QB Brady Quinn, who has too many Notre Dame passing records to count. Most impressive is that he has only five interceptions in 432 attempts this season -- although three of those came against Michigan. He also was just under 50 percent completions against USC. Of course, those are two dynamite defenses. LSU has one of those, too. It will be another big test for Quinn, who won the Unitas Award as the top senior quarterback in the nation, beating out Ohio State's Troy Smith.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Coordinator Rick Minter's defense didn't get a passing grade at critical times this season, although, overall, it was better than last season. Notre Dame has been a smidgen better than average statistically, allowing 22.4 points and 320.5 yards per game. The big question in the Sugar Bowl is if Notre Dame secondary can handle LSU's superb height and speed at receiver with Dwayne Bowe, Craig Davis and Early Doucet.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS: The PAT isn't automatic for the Irish, as Carl Gioia missed a combined four extra points in late-season games against Air Force and Army. He also is just 8 of 12 on field goals, with nothing longer than 40. Sophomore David Grimes, who will become a key receiver next season, has been good on kick returns, averaging 25.5 yards per attempt. Tom Zbikowski has three career punt returns for TDs, including one this season.

COACHING EDGE: Charlie Weis is a combined 1-3 against rivals Michigan and USC, and lost his first game to Ohio State. That is more related to an overall lesser athleticism against those teams than any game-plan deficiencies, so Weis gets a pass on that -- for now. This is the first meeting between Weis and LSU coach Les Miles, and the teams haven't met since 1998.

INTANGIBLES: Notre Dame has lost eight consecutive bowl games, which is an embarrassing streak for the program. What's worse is that the Irish have lost by at least two touchdowns in each of the past four bowls. Even though coach Charlie Weis is responsible for only the last of those defeats, the cumulative effect of the postseason setbacks might be weighing on this team, especially the seniors.

PREDICTED OUTCOME: LSU 28, Notre Dame 17 -- LSU has as much talent as anybody in the country, including Michigan and USC, which handled the Irish earlier in the season. It's just a tough matchup on both sides of the ball for Notre Dame because of the Tigers' athleticism and playmakers.

ROSTER REPORT: TE John Carlson suffered a knee injury in the first half of the Air Force game on Nov. 11 but should be back for a bowl game. Carlson has 46 receptions for 621 yards this season, becoming one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation's top tight end.

S Chinedum Ndukwe had arthroscopic knee surgery following the loss to USC. He should be ready for the Sugar Bowl.

Notre Dame received a recent commitment from Armando Allen from Miami. He is reported to be one of the fastest running back prospects in the nation, and he is the kind of speedy upgrade Notre Dame needs.