SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o (MAN-tie TAY-oh) didn't need long to show why Fighting Irish coaches are excited about his promise.

In his first extensive action, Te'o finished with 10 tackles against Washington, the most by an Irish linebacker in eight games. Coach Charlie Weis said Te'o continued to improve during the team's week off as the Irish prepare to play No. 6 USC on Saturday.

Weis says Te'o is starting to look like a guy who has been out there. Even though the Washington game marked the first time he played most of the game, Te'o is already sixth on the team in tackles with 16.

Te'o is looking forward to facing the Trojans, who were among the final teams he considered before opting to sign with the Irish.