Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson

A little bit of credit for Miami-Ohio’s 31-24 win over Toledo this weekend -- the RedHawks first victory of the season -- should go to Notre Dame.

Miami-Ohio coach Mike Haywood, the former offensive coordinator at Notre Dame, said coach Charlie Weis has helped him with his freshman quarterback Zac Dysert by comparing his progression to that of Notre Dame signal caller Jimmy Clausen.

“As I was talking to coach Weis, he said, ‘Now, you remember [Jimmy] Clausen when he came in, we won three games the first year, seven games the next year and there’s no telling how many games we’re going to win this year. And you’re going through those same growing pains,’” Haywood said.

In the past couple weeks, Dysert has started playing like a veteran quarterback and the results are showing on the field. During the past two games, Dysert has completed 58-of-88 passes for 692 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. He’s also rushed for 88 yards and two scores. The RedHawks came from behind to nearly beat Northern Illinois two weeks ago before finally getting a win last week. And the possibility for more wins in the final three games is out there with contests against two teams with losing records.

Haywood said every week, he can see Dysert maturing.

“The thing I think most is that he’s starting to understand the system better and as he’s starting to understand the system better, he can be a better leader,” Haywood said. “Also, he realizes that the receivers are becoming more comfortable with him and as they become more comfortable with each other, we’ll get into a better groove and do a better job.”

Haywood said he credits a lot of his coaching this season to Weis and Texas coach Mack Brown. Haywood said he texts Weis at least once a week and they speak twice a week. Both coaches have been able to give Haywood perspective on a 1-8 season and keep him positive for the future.

“We talk about different things that are going on within the organization and talk about the offense, the potholes that we’re running into,” Haywood said. “[They’ve] been really helpful helping me get through this first year.”