When Notre Dame's Sugar Bowl match-up against LSU was announced, one problem was immediately apparent.

How in the world are the Irish going to match up athlete for athlete against a team as physically talented as any in the country? That thought struck Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, too.

"When you're playing a team the caliber of LSU, the first thing that comes to mind is making sure that our players are ready for the speed of the game," Weis said.

"Obviously they play with great passion and great emotion, but the speed of the game is the No. 1 thing that we're going to have to be ready for. If not, you're going to be in for a long night."

The Irish's offense can score against anyone -- even against a defense as good as LSU's (No. 2 nationally in total defense). There isn't blazing speed at running back, but receivers Jeff Samardzija and Rhema McKnight can get open against anybody, and Brady Quinn is an NFL-caliber quarterback.

The question is on defense.

Weis said way back at the beginning of the season that his defense was faster than people thought; it was just that the defense didn't always play as fast as it could. Still, the fact remains that against Michigan, USC and Ohio State (in last season's Fiesta Bowl), the Notre Dame defense was swamped.

LSU has similar offensive capabilities as those teams.

Weis was having his starting units practice against each other in order to get used to the kind of speed they will see in the Sugar Bowl.

Other that that, Notre Dame hopes it get off to a good start -- something it hasn't done in recent big games.

"Anytime you get behind two or three scores, you've got to play catch-up and you kind of get desperate," Quinn said. "You can't put yourself in a hole from the get-go."

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: "This is only my second year here. I don't worry about what happened before I got here. I mean, I really have no control over anything that happened before I got here. All I know is we ended up losing in the Fiesta Bowl and it ruined my offseason." -- Coach Charlie Weis, on Notre Dame having lost eight consecutive bowl games, including a defeat to Ohio State last season.

GAME SNAPSHOT: Notre Dame vs. LSU, Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, Jan. 3 -- 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.

ROSTER REPORT: TE John Carlson suffered a knee injury in the first half of the Air Force game on Nov. 11 but is expected back for the Sugar Bowl. 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. The award went to Minnesota's Matt Spaeth. S Chinedum Ndukwe had arthroscopic knee surgery following the loss to USC. He should be ready for the Sugar Bowl. QB Brady Quinn won the Maxwell Award, given to the college player of the award as selected by a panel of coaches, media and Maxwell Football Club members. Quinn also won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given to the nation's top senior quarterback. Quinn was third in Heisman Trophy balloting behind Ohio State's Troy Smith and Arkansas Darren McFadden.