Published: November 01, 2009 11:34 pm      

Weis pleased with play of Rudolph, Hughes in win

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Golden Tate’s up-for-grabs touchdown catch against Washington State had people talking. It was the play of tight end Kyle Rudolph and tailback Robert Hughes for 19th-ranked Notre Dame that had coach Charlie Weis smiling.

The Fighting Irish (6-2) totaled 592 yards of total offense in their 40-14 win Saturday night in San Antonio, the fourth-most yards in five seasons under Weis. It was highlighted by Jimmy Clausen completing 22 of 27 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns, and Tate with 141 yards total offense and two touchdowns.

But after the game, Weis was talking about the physical play of Rudolph and Hughes.

Weis took time out during practice last Tuesday to work one-on-one with 6-foot-6, 260-pound Rudolph on creating separation. He finished with six catches for 59 yards against the Cougars, after managing just four catches for 20 yards against USC and Boston College.

Weis said the plan was to get the ball to Rudolph early. He had a catch for 16 yards on Notre Dame’s first play and an 11-yard catch moments later.

“I made my mind up along with the staff that he was going to get back in the action,” Weis said. “If I had to force feed him getting back in the action, he was going to get back in the action.”

Rudolph said the work with Weis helped. He would run 10 yards down field, get popped by backup tight end Jack Golic holding a large pad, and turn in to catch the pass.

“It’s all a timing thing on that route and it was just something we needed to put the time in, Jimmy and I, to get back on the same page,” Rudolph said. “I think I ran that route three times and caught balls every time.”

Rudolph’s best play, though, was called back because of an illegal formation. With 47 seconds left in the first half, Rudolph caught a 15-yard pass at the Notre Dame 45, ran five yards before he was hit, then pushed four Washington State defenders 10 yards down the field before they finally wrestled him out of bounds.

“He looked like Mark Bavaro. That’s who he reminded me of, running people over,” said Weis, referring to the former Notre Dame standout tight end who later played for the New York Giants.

Hughes, a 5-11, 234-pound tailback, was running people over as well. He carried the ball a career-high 24 times and finished with 131 yards rushing, the second-most of his career. He ran for 136 yards two years ago against Stanford as a freshman.

Weis had challenged Hughes in the offseason, telling him that if he wanted to be a back who made tacklers miss, he would have to lose weight. Otherwise, he was going to have to start running people over.

Weis said he’s not sure when the idea clicked for Hughes, but it’s clear he’s decided to run with his pads down, leaning forward and not trying to make everyone miss.

“Once he made the decision, that’s kind of cleaned up for him as to how he’s going to play the game,” Weis said.

Hughes, starting because Armando Allen Jr. was recovering from a nagging sprained right ankle, said there wasn’t a particular moment when he realized he needed to run with more power.

“I just made the decision to be ready when my number is called,” he said. “It was opportunity and chance. I just wanted to come out and produce.”

The biggest worry for the Irish (6-2) heading into Saturday’s game against Navy (6-3) is injuries. Clausen aggravated his turf toe, but is expected to be ready. Backup quarterback Dayne Crist left with an injured right knee and is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam Monday. Weis said Sunday night that when Crist’s knee was examined earlier in the day it was more stable than expected. Weis said he was “cautiously optimistic.”

Right guard Trevor Robinson and defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore sustained sprained ankles. Weis said Robinson is doubtful for Navy and Lewis-Moore is questionable.

Weis said the Irish have put themselves in a position two-thirds of the way through the season where good things can happen.

“We’ve put ourselves in position. We get to control our own destiny,” he said. “It’s always good when you’re not counting on somebody’s help to be able to control your own destiny.”