Notre Dame falls another notch

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Charlie Weis was looking for something he recognized as winning football. He finally saw it . . . just not enough of it.

Purdue extended the worst start in Notre Dame history to five losses when Curtis Painter threw two touchdown passes and Chris Summers made four field goals in a 33-19 win Saturday.

The Irish fell behind 23-0 at the half, and Weis told his players he’s tired of playing catch-up.

“This time, I was maybe a little more rough at halftime,” he said. “I’d had about enough. It was a collective effort. Offense, defense, special teams.”

Notre Dame outscored Purdue 19-10 in the second half.

“For the first time this year, we played a half of football where you could win,” he said. “That’s closer to winning football.”

Quarterback Jimmy Clausen threw his first career touchdown pass before leaving because of an injured hip, and the Irish gained 426 yards, by far their best output of the season.

Meanwhile, the Boilermakers (5-0) are off to their best start since 2004.

Kory Sheets had 141 yards rushing, and Dorien Bryant caught eight passes for 82 yards.