SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Seventy-two hours after Notre Dame defeated Purdue, defensive line coach Greg Mattison blew his whistle and the first defense sprinted to the sideline after the ball carrier in a pursuit drill. On the opposite field, receiver coach Trent Miles led his unit through release drills. Yeah, it was the first day of Michigan week, but it was also, you know, Tuesday, the first day of the practice week.

While Notre Dame fans and alums get excited about playing Michigan based on equal parts tradition and proximity, the Notre Dame team is also excited -- but for a different reason. With teams like Michigan State, Florida State and USC lurking on the horizon, those on the field find it difficult to make just one game their focus.

It may be his first game against Michigan, but Tyrone Willingham knows how big this rivalry is. He's well aware of the fact Michigan is ranked sixth in the nation, and good Lord, he knows the offense has yet to score a touchdown. But come on, you think a black man who came up through the deep south in the sixties, who ascended to the biggest stage in college sports is going to panic in the third game of the season?

Besides, he knows that not too long ago, his good friend Brian Billick coached a team that went three games without scoring a touchdown. The Ravens eventually scored, and for good measure, also won the Super Bowl that year. "Like I tell my team," says Willingham, "It's OK to be aware of what's going on around you, but not necessarily focused on it."

At a press conference on Wednesday, cornerback Shane Walton reiterated that theory. When asked if he was fired up to play Michigan, the perpetually reserved Walton quickly reflected on future trips to East Lansing, Tallahassee and L.A. He then replied, "Of course I'm excited to play Michigan. But you know, I'm excited to play a lot of teams."