Lessons from Notre Dame's 37-30 overtime win over Washington:
1. You can't leave time on the clock for Jimmy Clausen: For the second straight week, Notre Dame had to march down the field in the final three minutes for a go-ahead touchdown. And both times, Clausen made it look pretty easy. The junior quarterback has become a master at the two-minute drill with his ability to slide out of danger in the pocket and buy time until his receivers come open. And he almost always puts the throw right on the money. If the Irish find themselves in that position again this season -- and the way things are going, they certainly will -- they have the utmost confidence in their field general.
2. Kyle Rudolph is the go-to red zone guy: Golden Tate remains the big-play threat. But Clausen loved going to Michael Floyd earlier in the season when the Irish got down near the goal line. Since Floyd got hurt, Rudolph has taken over that role. Rudolph caught the game-winner at Purdue, and on Saturday he made a terrific adjustment on a fade route for the go-ahead score with 1:20 left. The 6-foot-6 Rudolph might be the best tight end in the country now that Jermaine Gresham is out, and Charlie Weis is not afraid to use him like a wide receiver.
3. Te'o has arrived: Freshman linebacker Manti Te'o made his first career start and finished with 10 tackles. He wasn't flawless, but he was active and made his presence felt. For a Notre Dame defense that's still struggling to wrap up ball carriers (at least until they get to the goal line) more Te'o can only be a good thing.
