NOTRE DAME - Nick Tausch has brought confidence and consistency to a Notre Dame kicking game, that has been lacking for many seasons.

"He's money", says Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis of his kicker. "And he's been that way in practice too!"

It's been a long time, since Notre Dame had a kicker that didn't make you sweat bullets every time he stepped behind the ball. Freshman Nick Tausch has changed that stigma overnight.

"When it's time to get on the field you've got to produce", says Tausch. "If we don't get a touchdown, I want three (points) on the board every time."

Tausch is 10-11 this season kicking field goals, which includes kicking a school record FIVE, in the win against Washington. An overtime win at that, where every kick mattered!

"You have to have a lot of confidence being a kicker."

Tausch's execution has been every bit as important in Notre Dame's three game winning streak as Jimmy Clausen's late game heroics. And its just one more reason the Irish feels destined to win, when they step on the field.

"It's really refreshing for me as a coach and the coaching staff, but the players too, that they feel confident if it came down to a kick at the end of the game, they would feel that he'd make that kick", says Weis.

And don't kid yourself. This Saturday Tausch would LOVE that chance!

"Definitely! That's what kickers live for. To be the hero. To make that last kick and have your team win."