The Spartans thought they had a pretty good offense before the start of the season, but those estimates have to be upgraded after the first two games.

Michigan State is second in the nation with an average of 592 yards per game and 13th in scoring at 45.5 points per game.

MSU is stepping up in class this week with a trip to Notre Dame. Charlie Weis has opened his Irish coaching career with road wins over Pittsburgh and Michigan and is sure to have a solid game plan for the Spartans. Michigan State's defense has performed well against Kent State and Hawaii, but Weis's great strength is his ability to exploit a defense's weakness.

Spartans DE Clifton Ryan is impressed by Notre Dame's upgrade in confidence and performance on the field. "When they brought in Coach Weis, it did a lot for those guys confidence-wise," Ryan told the Detroit Free Press. "When I watched those guys against the Wolverines, they looked like a completely different team than we went against last year. Those guys were coming off the ball hard on the o-line; the receivers looked faster. They looked like a legit program."

Weis's reputation or the crowd in South Bend can't intimidate John L. Smith's Spartans. Drew Stanton appears to be at the top of his game and he could very well be the best quarterback in the Big Ten. He is coming off a stellar performance in which he completed 21-of-26 passes for 301 yards and three TDs.

Smith has noticed a key change in Stanton compared to last year. He is staying in the pocket and throwing rather than taking off at the first sign of pressure.

"Drew made three or four big-time throws against Hawaii," Smith said. "The things that we did with him in the spring -- the coaching staff keeping him back there and forcing him to throw the ball, utilize your arm rather than your legs -- I think that's helped him a lot. I really like the way he's crafting the offense as well as throwing the football at this point."

But Stanton is still an outstanding athlete who can run well. Don't be surprised to see him take off against Notre Dame this week.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The Spartans are second in the nation with an average of 592 yards per game through the first two weeks of the season. Drew Stanton has thrown the ball extremely well and has stayed in the pocket. He has been confident and accurate with his passes. WRs Kyle Brown and Jerramy Scott have combined for 23 catches.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Michigan State plays with effort and the Spartans are a very hard-hitting defensive team. However, the unit's speed and quickness can be questioned. If any coach can take advantage, it would be Notre Dame's Charlie Weis. Look for him to come up with a scheme that takes advantage of that. Notre Dame RB Darius Walker is very quick and MLB Kaleb Thornhill will have his hands filled keeping him in check.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "The good thing about this game is that we get to find out if we are worth a hoot or not." -- Head coach John L. Smith on Michigan State's game this week at Notre Dame. The Spartans have looked great against Kent State and Hawaii and now they are stepping up in class.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: at Notre Dame, Sept. 17 -- These could be two of the most underestimated programs in the country. Few thought Charlie Weis would be able to work his magic with Notre Dame right away, but the Irish have started with two road upsets. Michigan State has looked very powerful on offense so far. This should be a barometer for both teams to find out where they stand.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Drew Stanton -- He has been razor sharp in the first two weeks of the season. Stanton has completed 43-of-55 passes for 598 yards with five touchdowns and an interception. Stanton is also an outstanding runner who can take off out of the pocket and make big plays.

Rover Sir Darean Adams -- He may have a regal-sounding name, but Adams plays this hybrid LB/DB position like a warrior. He had 12 tackles and two TFL vs. Hawaii and needs to threaten Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn with his aggressiveness.

FB Jehuu Caulcrick -- He has gotten off to a fine start with 231 yards in his first two games. Caulcrick is averaging 6.7 yards per attempt and is a great weapon when the Spartans have the lead in the second half because he is such a punishing runner.

P Brandon Fields -- He is a solid weapon who is averaging 44.4 yards per punt so far this season. He may have the most explosive leg in the Big Ten.

ROSTER REPORT: DB Ross Weaver (back spasms), DT Brandon McKinney (ankle), CB Irving Campbell (knee) did not play against Hawaii. All three could be back for the Irish game.