Weis downplays rivalry with Michigan

DETROIT -- What Michigan-Notre Dame rivalry?

First-year Fighting Irish coach Charlie Weis was asked about the rivalry during his weekly teleconference Tuesday and this is how he replied: ''Not to downplay it, but it's no different for me this week than it was last week. - College Football -

''That's how I view it. Might be different emotions for the players who experience it, but I view it as going to Michigan Stadium and trying to win the game.''

Weis, the former offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, graduated from Notre Dame with a bachelor's degree in speech and drama in 1978 but did not play for the Irish.

He said trying to win Saturday's game--building on last weekend's 42-21 victory at Pittbsburgh--was his only focus. - College Football -

''I have no emotions at all about Notre Dame versus Michigan, none,'' Weis said.

When the Fighting Irish travel to Michigan this weekend, Weiss has an opportunity to join some exclusive company. Not since Knute Rockne has an Irish coach won two road games to start his career. - College Football -