As Charlie Weis begins his third season as Notre Dame's head coach there are more questions than answers.

While some of those questions will be answered early Saturday night after the Fighting Irish have played their season opener with Georgia Tech, others more than likely won't be answered for several weeks.

The biggest question, of course, is who will end up starting at quarterback?

While the three candidates -- Demetrius Jones, Evan Sharpley and Jimmy Clausen -- all have strengths and weaknesses, my guess is Jones lines up behind center John Sullivan when ND's offense takes the field. His athleticism, particularly his ability to duck, tuck and run, could pay dividends against the buzzing and blitzing Yellow Jackets defense.

How much has the defense improved under new defensive coordinator Corwin Brown?

The key to improvement will be whether or not the unit can stop the big play from repeatedly burning the Irish -- something that's killed their defense each of the last two seasons especially against quality opponents.

The defense was torched in embarrassing losses at home to Michigan, on the road at Southern California and in the Sugar Bowl against Louisiana State.

This is Brown's first year heading up a defense and there are questions surrounding the 3-4 scheme the team will employ. The biggest concern might be whether nose tackle Pat Kuntz can clog the middle and have enough strength and stamina at 285 pounds to have anything left by the fourth quarter.

The Irish haven't had a game-breaking player for years. recent years. Will they have anyone this season?

While there doesn't appear to be anyone like Tim Brown or Rocket Ismail, we'll have to wait and see, but I expect an upgrade in kickoff returns. A pair of freshmen -- Armando Allen and Golden Tate -- who have Weis and fans excited and dreaming about the possibilities -- could make an immediate impact.

Why weren't the Irish ranked in the preseason Top 25 and what kind of season will 2007 be?

The naysayers claim ND doesn't fare well against the elite teams and that's been proven during the first two years of the Weis regime.

While this team doesn't figure to be in the hunt for a BCS berth by the time the season ends -- let alone be a national title contender -- I think it will win eight games.

Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Purdue and Boston College are swing games that will make or break Notre Dame's season.

A reporter asked Weis for his take on predictions the 2007 season could be a rough one for the Irish.

"Who says that?" he asked.

Weis is anxious for the season to begin.

"This is more exciting than the first two years for me," he said. "This is also more challenging."

Weis was then asked if his team might surprise doubters.

"Well, they better," he said.