The Spartans have started the season with two consecutive impressive efforts.

While nobody is saying that Michigan State belongs in the same category with teams like Purdue, Michigan or Ohio State, the Spartans have been razor sharp against Kent State and Hawaii.

Neither opponent had much to offer -- particularly on the defensive side of the ball -- but the Spartans have combined consistency with big-play ability to build a solid foundation for the 2005 season.

Start with QB Drew Stanton, one of the best athletes in the league. Stanton has complete understanding of what head coach John L. Smith wants to do with the offense and plays with a sense of confidence that has made a big difference in the first couple of weeks of the season.

Stanton was very sharp in the 42-14 win over Hawaii, the team that handed Michigan State a 41-38 loss in the season finale a year ago. Stanton completed 21-of-26 passes for 301 yards with TD passes to Matt Trannon, Jerramy Scott and Terry Love.

The running game was also solid, as Jehuu Caulcrick ran 20 times for 89 yards and Javon Ringer had 80 yards on 10 carries. Jason Teague did not play as a result of a suspension by Smith before the game. "Teague and I are having a father-son spat," Smith said. "Usually the father wins in that case. He'll have to work his way back."

Smith was very impressed with his defense, which held Hawaii scoreless until the third quarter. "Holding those guys scoreless in the first half, that was an exceptional effort," Smith said.

Michigan State was able to do that because the Spartans were well-positioned and hit very hard. The Spartans have been physical during Smith's three years as head coach, but consistency has not always been a part of their game.

If they can continue that against Notre Dame, the Spartans have a chance to come away with an upset in their visit to South Bend. Charlie Weis has his team on a roll, but the Spartans are playing sharp football and Stanton can be a one-man wrecking crew.

GAME BALL GOES TO: QB Drew Stanton -- He is clearly one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten and one of the conference's best athletes. He was superb against Hawaii, completing 21-of-26 passes for 301 yards with 3 TD passes and no interceptions.

KEEP AN EYE ON: RB Javon Ringer -- Head coach John L. Smith decided to let RB Jason Teague have the day off (suspended-undisclosed reason), Ringer stepped up with 10 carries for 80 yards and two TD runs, including a 41-yarder midway through the second quarter.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We wanted to go out and show these guys we meant business. I don't think these guys are dirty players. They just play hard, and they got a little frustrated when they realized we had the game in hand." -- Michigan State WR Terry Love on the fourth-quarter wrestling matches that came after three relatively clean quarters.

LOOKING GOOD: The Spartans gained some revenge and played efficiently in their 42-14 win over Hawaii. The Warriors had beaten the Spartans in the last game of the 2004 season and knocked them out of bowl contention. Michigan State's physical defense shut down Hawaii and kept the Warriors off the scoreboard until the middle of the third quarter. By that time, Michigan State had a 35-0 lead.

-- RB Jehuu Caulcrick -- He continued to show off his punishing style by running for 89 yards on 20 carries. Caulcrick is a great weapon to have when the Spartans have the lead because he pounds the will out of opposing defenses.

-- OLB SirDarean Williams -- He came through with a huge effort against Hawaii with 12 tackles, two TFL and a sack.

STILL NEEDS SOME WORK: The Spartans have two impressive wins in the first two weeks of the season at home. Now they go on the road to Notre Dame, which has started the season with two impressive victories. The Spartans have to step it up against a much better opponent.

--RB Jason Teague got himself on the wrong side of John L. Smith and was suspended for the Hawaii game.

-- DE Clifton Ryan has to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He had no sacks or QB pressures against Hawaii.

ROSTER REPORT: RB Jason Teague was suspended by John L. Smith for undisclosed reasons. Javon Ringer gained 80 yards on 10 carries in his absence.

DB Jaren Hayes (suspension) and WR Aaron Alexander (foot injury) are out indefinitely.