Notre Dame remains 9th in the latest BCS standings released Sunday. The Irish jumped from 11th to 9th in the AP poll and the Irish jumped from 10th to 8th in the Coaches poll.
Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis is says his team's defense is improving, but still has a way to go.The Fighting Irish defense is unquestionably playing better than it did last season, when it gave up 397 yards a game and was ranked 75th in the nation in total defense.
This season, the defense played crucial roles in wins over Georgia Tech, Michigan State and UCLA and is giving up 76 yards less offense per game. The Irish are up to 53rd in the nation in total defense.
Coach Weis says he thinks the key for the Irish to keep improving on defense is to do a better job of tackling.
