The coach appears all but gone. The quarterback, who probably would follow his coach to the NFL, was punched by a fan. There’s talk that even though the team is bowl eligible, it might not accept a bid.
Other than that, everything is just fine at the University of Notre Dame.
But let this be one story about the Fighting Irish that doesn’t deal with the future. Let’s pull a Charlie Weis, in fact, and deal in the now. Let’s talk about the season finale at Stanford on Saturday.
“It’s the last opportunity,” Weis said. “It would be a good way to end, to go on the road and beat a team like Stanford.”
We agree, Charlie. Let the critics say what they will. Let the rumors swirl. What’s important this week — honestly — is that he gets his Irish up and ready to play a program against which Notre Dame has a good history.
PITT HAS TURNED TABLES IN BACKYARD BRAWL
The Irish have won seven consecutive vs. the Cardinal. Last season, with similar talent on both sides, Notre Dame prevailed, 28-21.
“I’m ready to go,” Weis said. “I’m fired up. I really am.”
He should be. While all of the naysayers mount their defenses against this team, perhaps he’s among the few who realize the Irish have been in every game they’ve played this season. Aside from uncharacteristic blowout wins over Washington State and Nevada, every Notre Dame tilt this season has been decided by seven points or less.
They cannot handle being a favorite. Can not. That much we do know. Last week vs. UConn was proof positive. But the last two times the oddsmakers gave them points — vs. USC and at Pitt — the Irish covered.
We’re not here to say the criticism isn’t justified. This is Notre Dame, after all, and Weis has not delivered over the long term. A change is in order, clearly.
But let someone else worry about that. We’re just concerned about the next four quarters. And we’re going to take a team that can pass against a team that struggles stopping the pass, and hope for a shootout.
Notre Dame (+101⁄2) is the pick.
TOMORROW
Texas (-21) over TEXAS A&M: The Aggies will be ready on primetime. But that will wear off in the second half, and the Longhorns will pounce.
FRIDAY
Rutgers (-3) over LOUISVILLE: The Knights’ loss at Syracuse might be the single-most surprising result this year . . . nationwide. Where that came from is anyone’s guess. Here’s thinking Greg Schiano has the answer and shows it vs. the Cardinals.
Illinois (+201⁄2) over CINCINNATI: We have concerns about the Bearcats’ defense with big games on the horizon. They’ve covered just one of their last four home games.
Alabama (-101⁄2) over AUBURN: The Iron Bowl is the Tigers’ Super Bowl, but we cannot go against the stingy Tide in their SEC title-game tuneup.
Pitt (-1) over WEST VIRGINIA: The Panthers have too much at stake, and will not overlook their biggest rival (for more on this game, see Page 77).
BOISE STATE (-131⁄2) over Nevada: Lot of love for the Wolfpack out there, but we don’t see enough quality in their schedule. The Broncos make another statement.
SATURDAY
UCONN (-131⁄2) over Syracuse: Syracuse beats Rutgers. UConn beats Notre Dame. Hangover City on both sides. We’ll take the home team, which needs a win for bowl eligibility.
SOUTH CAROLINA (+3) over Clemson: The Tigers relaxed a little too much last week after they learned they had clinched a spot in the ACC title game. Maybe they look ahead again.
TCU (-441⁄2) over New Mexico: The Horned Frogs will stop at nothing, as they continue to battle in BCS-gate. Tough number, obviously, but it’s hard to go against them.
Boston College (-6) over MARYLAND: Lot of points on the road, but here’s thinking the Eagles regain their focus after a lackluster home loss to North Carolina.
FLORIDA (-241⁄2) over Florida State: Not enough juice left in the banged-up Seminoles, who won’t match the fire of the home team in Tim Tebow’s final Gainesville game.
Arizona (-3) over ARIZONA STATE: The Wildcats — with tough losses at Cal and vs. Oregon — still must learn how to close games out. They can start vs. their rival here.
LSU (-31⁄2) over Arkansas: We’ll go with the Bill Belichick Theory on this one. When a coach blows it the week before on the road, we’ll go back to him the following week at home. Les Miles, the floor is yours.
GEORGIA TECH (-7) over Georgia: The host Yellow Jackets have already beaten two SEC teams, and had an extra week to prepare for this rivalry.
tsullivan@nypost.com
OFF THE GRID
BYU (-7) over Utah: Disappointing seasons for both of these state rivals, as they watched TCU carry the Mountain West flag into the Top Ten and beyond. Well side with the home team, as the Cougars have a bit more offense and revenge in mind.
Tennessee (-3) over KENTUCKY: Value play here, as Tennessees tough defense and quality running game meets a hungover team that somehow beat Georgia last week, despite being outgained by 227.
RECORDS
Again, completely stunned by the Rutgers result, but happy to see Cal and UConn pull road upsets for us. Overall, a productive week. Good luck this weekend.
LAST WEEK: 10-7 Overall; 1-2 Best Bets; 1-1 Off The Grid.
SEASON: 100-109-3 Overall; 15-21 Best Bets; 19-13 Off The Grid.
tsullivan@nypost.com