Can Irish defense contain Purdue?

For four games, Notre Dame Nation has turned its lonely eyes toward the quarterback -- and usually wound up shielding them by the fourth quarter.

Notre Dame's trial-by-fire progression with freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen and an overhauled offense has been difficult to watch. The nation's least productive unit (137 ypg) has provided little chance for the defense to compete.

"The jury is still out," coach Charlie Weis said Tuesday when asked whether or not the defense has improved from last season.

A more complete judgment can be rendered today as Notre Dame's defense faces its most daunting test yet at Purdue (11 a.m., ESPN). Led by senior quarterback Curtis Painter, the undefeated Boilermakers (4-0) rank among the top 30 nationally in every major offensive category, including seventh in scoring (48.5 ppg) and eighth in yards (527 ypg).

"We faced some talented guys," safety Tom Zbikowski said. "There hasn't been the production that this team has."

The Irish rank fourth nationally in pass defense (119.3 ypg), holding opposing quarterbacks to 50.8 percent completions. Notre Dame also has limited big pass plays, its fatal flaw the last two seasons, surrendering only 7 passes longer than 20 yards and only 1 longer than 31 yards in the first four games.

Then again, the secondary hasn't faced a threat like Purdue, which has six players averaging more than 10 yards per reception, led by tight end Dustin Keller (18.9 ypc, 4 TDs). Boilermakers senior Dorien Bryant continues to find cavities in opposing defenses, tying for 10th nationally in receptions per game (8).

Purdue coach Joe Tiller calls the receiving core, which also features Selwyn Lymon, the best he's had in a decade at Purdue.

"You'd better keep everything in front of you," Weis said. "When you have dynamic players on the inside positions, meaning the slot, tight end, and (running) back … something that is a short potential gainer can turn into a long gainer. You have to make sure that they nickel and dime it."

Notre Dame frequently played Cover 1 against Michigan State, with only one deep safety and more defenders near the line to curtail running backs Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick. It's unlikely the Irish will use the same approach against Purdue's four- and five-wideout sets, but they won't neglect a Boilermakers run attack that averages 202.8 yards per game.

"Most people think they just throw it, throw it, throw it," linebacker Maurice Crum said. "But you also have to have the run to set that up. With that being successful, we have to make sure we tackle well and fit where we're supposed to fit."

The Irish are still looking for any kind of fit on offense. They had 117 rushing yards last week, finally escaping red figures for the season, but 60 yards came on consecutive carries by James Aldridge and Robert Hughes in the second quarter.

Limiting negative yardage plays remains a concern for Notre Dame, which had 10 last week. The Irish want to run to set up play-action opportunities for Clausen, who is still looking for his first career touchdown pass after throwing for only 127 yards in the last two games.

"I've been impressed in his ability to bounce back both physically and psychologically," senior center John Sullivan said. "He takes a lot of hits and gets back up. A bad play might happen, but he doesn't seem to be rattled by it."

Players and coaches maintain morale is high despite the team's worst start ever. A competitive performance against a yet-to-be-tested Purdue team would do wonders.

Then again, Tiller said the Boilers are still waiting for their first complete game. Purdue would love to cover a three-touchdown point spread against its in-state rival.

"You put the same situation a lot of other places, it'll be chaotic," Irish defensive coordinator Corwin Brown said. "But here, everybody's come together. We still continue to learn."

Notre Dame (0-4) at Purdue (4-0)

When: 11 a.m. at Ross-Ade Stadium

TV: ESPN

Radio: WLS 890-AM

Series: Notre Dame leads 51-25-2

Coaches: Notre Dame's Charlie Weis (19-10, third year at Notre Dame and overall); Joe Tiller (79-49, 11th year at Purdue; 118-79-1, 17th year overall).

Players to watch: Notre Dame sophomore James Aldridge sparked a dormant rushing attack with 104 yards last week. Aldridge's edge running could finally open up play-action pass opportunities for tight end John Carlson, who has only 7 receptions after grabbing 17 through the first four games last season. … It all starts with quarterback Curtis Painter for Purdue, and he has several first-rate receivers, including junior Selywn Lymon, who had 238 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns against Notre Dame last year. Boilermakers running back Kory Sheets, a starter-turned-backup-turned-starter, has averaged 6 yards per carry this season. Defensive end Cliff Avril has only 8 tackles, but 4 have been for losses (2 sacks). Avril also has 3 pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

The skinny: Notre Dame hasn't lost five straight games in one season since 1963 but enters today as a 21.5-point underdog. Purdue aims for its second 5-0 start under Joe Tiller, who is 4-6 against the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame guard Dan Wenger will miss his second consecutive game with a left leg injury. The Boilermakers have allowed only 2 sacks despite attempting more passes (171) than any other Big Ten team. Purdue leads the nation in kickoff returns (33.9 ypr) behind senior Dorien Bryant. Notre Dame has dropped three of its last five meetings at Ross-Ade Stadium.

-- Adam Rittenberg