Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett

If Notre Dame's game against Boston College were a beauty contest, it would be lucky to contend for Miss Congeniality.

The Irish slogged through a difficult game against an opponent determined to make them earn every yard on offense. It wasn't until Brian Smith's interception in the final two minutes wrapped up the 20-16 win that the team could exhale, which probably felt more appropriate than celebrating.

"Sometimes after a game like that, you're more relieved than happy," coach Charlie Weis said. "You're relieved you won instead of happy you won."

But while Weis will show the team the many things it needs to correct going forward, he said he will remind the players to enjoy that victory. The Irish, after all, snapped a frustrating streak of six straight losses to their Catholic school rival.

And while they may not be quite where they'd hoped at 5-2, a BCS berth is still attainable. Notre Dame debuted at No. 23 in the BCS standings on Sunday and won't need to climb far to get into the Top 14 for at-large consideration.

To do so probably still requires a clean sweep of the remaining five games, which won't be simple. But if this week's game doesn't give the Irish a chance to breathe easy, then it probably won't happen this season.

For the first time all year, Notre Dame will have to make a long flight and play farther than a few hours' drive away from home. It won't exactly be inhospitable territory, though, as the game in San Antonio against Washington State is still technically a home game. And the Cougars don't look like rude guests.

After winning one game against FBS opponents last season, Washington State is struggling again at 1-6. The last four losses have come by an average of four touchdowns. The Cougars rank 119th nationally in total defense, not a good omen against Jimmy Clausen, Golden Tate and friends.

There's no reason this week's game should come down to the final minute as the past six have for the Irish.

"The players have to clearly understand that if they go there and just feel good about themselves too much and don't go to work, we could be fighting for the 100th week in a row in the same situation," Weis said. "That's going to be the important thing for the coaches, having the players understand that."

Notre Dame's top concern this week is itself. Weis and defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta made personnel changes to help a struggling defense, inserting Sergio Brown in the defensive backfield and moving Harrison Smith down to linebacker. Weis said it's time now for the team to "do a better job of stabilizing everyone's roles." The rush defense has come along, but stopping the pass remains a major worry.

"I think the changes were all good changes, as long as we stabilized what we're doing," Weis said. "I think we've seen improvement on the defensive line. We've seen improvement at the linebacker position.

"I think last but not least, we have to finish this off with the secondary, and I think by the end of the year, all three things -- I'm not waiting for the end of the year, don't get me wrong; I'm counting on it this week."