The Associated Press

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Tyrone Willingham fittingly used a nautical term to describe Notre Dame's plan on preparing for Navy after a disappointing loss - stay the course.

The No.9 Irish (8-1) don't plan any major personnel changes following Saturday's 14-7 loss to Boston College. They don't plan any major shakeups in how they prepare. They don't plan any special drills to try to prevent the fumble problems that plagued them last week - although they will work on it just like every other week.

Willingham is not even planning any big speeches about how the Irish still have a lot to play for. The Irish already know that.

The week following a loss will be the same as it was the weeks after the wins, which Willingham said Tuesday was the way it should be.

"What we want to do is stay the course," he said. "We've been very strong, very positive to this date. Our young men are focused. There's still a great deal we can accomplish. If we go out with that mindset, we'll probably eliminate some of that hangover."

There was much talk before the BC game about whether the Irish might overlook the Eagles after a big win the previous week against Florida State. With the Irish facing Navy (1-7) on Saturday and Rutgers (1-8) following an off week, Willingham was asked whether it is impossible for a team to get up emotionally for every game.

"I don't buy `can't do it,'" he said.

The Irish players say they remain confident.

"Our guys believe in themselves," receiver Arnaz Battle said. "We'll continue to go forward."

Willingham on Tuesday also defended his decision to veer off course Saturday and have the Irish wear green jerseys, instead of their blue home uniforms.

He said he doesn't believe it played a role in the loss. He said he decided to have the Irish wear the green jerseys to show support for the fans who have been supporting the team all season by wearing green T-shirts.