Here are five key issues to watch this season for Notre Dame:

1. The running game: The Irish averaged just 3.3 yards per carry last year, which was actually an improvement over their even more anemic rushing attack in 2007. There simply has to be more balance in the offense so defenses can't overload on the outside receivers. With an offensive line that boasts 100 starts among the top 6 players and a talented halfback in Armando Allen, the time for excuses is over.

2. Jimmy Clausen's maturation: Notre Dame doesn't need its junior quarterback as perfect every week as he was in the Hawaii Bowl, but Clausen has to cut down on his mental mistakes and turnovers. He has thrown 23 interceptions in 23 career games. "First of all, the percentage of touchdown to interceptions has to change, OK?" coach Charlie Weis said earlier this month. "We have to be a lot more careful with the ball, not forcing the ball into coverage."

3. The defensive line: The company line is that the Irish's defensive front will be stronger at the point of attack because it is, well, stronger. Sophomores Kapron Lewis-Moore and Ethan Johnson have packed on pounds and will take on bigger roles, while Ian Williams was a weight room warrior this summer. Still, they must prove that they can keep other teams from rushing the ball right down their throats, and it would be nice if someone like Kerry Neal developed into a consistent pass-rusher.

4. Manti Te'o's development: The super-recruit has already caused jaws to drop with his 245-pound frame, and he could easily start at weakside linebacker from day one. Asking him to be the savior is ridiculous and unfair. But the freshman could bring much needed athleticism and playmaking skills to the linebacker position, and watching him learn and grow will be one of the more interesting aspects of the season.

5. Weis' job security: It's the No. 1 question hanging over this season for Notre Dame. The conventional wisdom posits that Weis needs to have the Irish at least in the mix for a BCS bid to feel safe about returning for a sixth year. With a nonthreatening schedule, a 9-3 record looks attainable. Anything less than that, or if there is an early-season upset or two, and the coach's job status will dominate the conversation in South Bend.