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.