Notre Dame overwhelms Washington State

Published Nov. 1, 2009 4:18 a.m. ET

foxsports

Jimmy Clausen wandered the Notre Dame sideline worry-free with the clock ticking down and a blowout victory minutes away.

For the first time in almost two months, the Fighting Irish could relax in the fourth quarter.

Clausen threw two touchdowns, including a desperation heave that Golden Tate spectacularly pulled down to end the first half, and Notre Dame clobbered Washington State 40-14 on Saturday night.

The previous six games for Notre Dame (6-2) were nerve-wrackers decided in the final minutes. This time, the Irish had Washington State (1-7) buried by halftime.