Record: 1-6. Last time out: Lost 49-17 to California.

Finally, a breather for the Irish.

The Cougars have dropped their past four, are 0-5 in Pac-10 play and could have a difficult time avoiding a 1-11 season. Their next loss will seal the school’s sixth consecutive season without a postseason bowl appearance.

Washington State’s defense ranks No. 119 (out of 120 Division I-A schools), allowing 499.5 yards per game, and No. 114 against the run (215.43 yards).

The Cougars rank No. 111 in total offense (293.71 yards). The 17 points they scored last week against Cal were their most in conference play. The Cougars also lead the nation in most sacks allowed (35).

Washington State starts a freshman QB, but that’s not necessarily a negative. Notre Dame is 1-2 against freshman QBs this season. Jeff Tuel completed 28-of-42 passes for a career-high 354 yards and two touchdowns against California.

That’s the second highest total by a freshman quarterback in school history. The highest was 385 by Drew Bledsoe in 1990.