It's only been a week since Notre Dame lost to UConn in double overtime.

Since then, the longest week in a long time transpired for the Irish football program.

A day after dropping to 6-5 for the 2nd straight season, Charlie Weis admitted he wouldn't blame the University if it fired him because '6-5 isn't good enough.' Weis first made that declaration back in 2004 when he was introduced as the team's head coach. He said he still believes that five years later.

By Monday night, word spread that Jimmy Clausen was 'sucker-punched' outside of CJ's Pub. A black eye resulted.

Clausen's condition was the first question asked of Weis the next day during his Stanford preview press conference. Boy was the name of a press conference ever used so literally.

Weis refused to answer questions about Clausen's eye or about his own future, declaring that it was Stanford week and that he was only answering questions about Stanford.

Three hours after Weis' press conference, an email was sent to media members that players were now off limits. No interviews with anyone--including Clausen.

An hour after that came the media viewing of practice. There was no viewing off Jimmy's eye. He was wearing a dark visor.

"You look like Darth Vader," Weis teased.

Weis was all smiles at practice and for the most part, the team appeared upbeat. Perhaps, a burden was off his shoulder.

As it turned out, Weis had already been told to return to South Bend with the team following the Stanford game and not stay in California to recruit---a usual practice for the Irish head coach.

"News flash, we play a game Saturday," Weis said to start his Tuesday press conference.

As it turned out those were the most fitting words of the week. Everyone seems to forget there is a game the Irish must play Saturday night at Stanford.

The outcome may not make a difference for Charlie's future, but the game is still there. Will Notre Dame lose for a 4th straight time and finish 6-6 or will the streak be snapped and the Irish end up 7-5.

It could also be the final game for Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate, both of whom may leave for the NFL.

So, yes, there is a game to be played Saturday night and a lot still to play for.