Weis focusing solely on Pitt

By BOB WIENEKE, Tribune Staff Writer

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By Jim Pinkerton

Story Created: Nov 10, 2009 at 1:28 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 10, 2009 at 9:32 PM EST

SOUTH BEND -- Numerous times on Tuesday during his weekly press conference, Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis was asked about his future, which has come into question after last week's loss to Navy.

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The fifth-year coach insists his thinking is solely on one thing.

"In reality," Weis said, "it's all about Pitt."

After a 23-21 loss to the Midshipmen, which knocked the Irish out of the Top 25, the road doesn't get any easier. Waiting is the nation's eighth-ranked team, winners of five straight overall and a team that has won all five of its home games this season. A sellout crowd of 65,050 is expected at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field.

"I think it's going to be a raucous crowd," Weis said. "There's all the reasons for the team to get fired up and ready to go. For these kids' sake, it would do them wonders to go ahead and (win)."

The Irish will be short-handed as tight end Kyle Rudolph is likely out for the rest of the regular season with a shoulder injury. There is a possibility Rudolph could return for the Nov. 28 regular-season finale at Stanford although Weis believes Rudolph likely won't begin practicing until December.

Junior Mike Ragone steps into the starting lineup and he'll be backed up by Bobby Burger, who returns from a neck injury.

Leading rusher Armando Allen is likely to return to the starting lineup after missing the last two games with an ankle injury. Right guard Trevor Robinson also is expected to return after missing the Navy game with an injury.

Notre Dame leads the all-time series 44-19-1. The Panthers were 36-33 winners last year at Notre Dame in a game that went four overtimes.

Kickoff is set for 8:12 p.m. (Eastern) and the game will air on ABC.

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