Halloween night supplied minimal tricks for Washington State, and 40 too many treats for Notre Dame, as they exploited the Cougars 40-14, in front of a packed crowd inside the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The first half was the story of the game, as the Fighing Irish put on a dominant display of offense, totaling 390 total yards- including 24 first downs- and took a commanding lead 30-7. Clausen finished the game, throwing 22- for -27, 268 yards and two touchdowns.

 Washington State first appeared on the scoreboard right before halftime when freshman Jeff Tuel found Jared Karstetter with an 11-yard TD pass.  It gave the Cougars a little life, something they were lacking for most of the first half. 

But just two minutes and 38 seconds later, Jimmy Clausen heaved a prayer toward the end zone as the first half whistle sounded, and who else but Golden Tate stretched up and swiped the ball from three Cougar defenders.  The sure-handed Tate made had yet another Heisman worthy performance: four carries for 64 yards and a touchdown, and four catches for 80 yards and another score. 

 “I was a little disappointed we didn’t play better in the second half,” Coach Weis told reporters after the game. 

 And rightfully so; the Irish only outscored Wazzu 10-7 in the second stanza.  It also looked as if Clausen re-injured the turf toe he’s been bothered with for much of the season.  But this has proven to be the trend Notre Dame all season.  

They’ll take all the wins they can get, any way they can get them. 

Notre Dame (6-2) returns to South Bend next week for a “true” home game, as they take on the (6-3) Navy Midshipmen.