Weis says comment was a nod toward Bo Schembechler

9/9/2008

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said today that his April "to hell with

Michigan" comment was a nod toward Wolverines legendary coach Bo

Schembechler.

"Anyone who is a Michigan fan should know and understand" the remark

was made to pay "respect to Bo and his mentality when playing an

opponent," Weis said during his weekly Tuesday press conference.

Of the many things Schembechler was known for, one was his "to hell

with Notre Dame" motto.

Speaking to Notre Dame boosters, players and others at a brunch the

day of the Blue-Gold spring game on April 19, Weis referred to

Saturday's Wolverines-Irish game in South Bend, Ind., by saying:

"We'll listen to Michigan have all their excuses as they come running

in saying how they have a new coaching staff and there [are] changes.

"To hell with Michigan."

Regardless of what Weis meant, his comment found its way onto UM's

training room walls and will likely be posted on locker room bulletin

boards this week.

UM holds a 20-14-1 advantage over Notre Dame and has beaten the Irish

by a combined 85-21 in the last two games. The two programs have the

most wins of any in college football history.

Weis, who begins his Tuesday press conferences with frighteningly

precise scouting reports of Notre Dame's opponent, said he expects

Wolverines running back Carlos Brown to line up some at quarterback

Saturday along with Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan.