However, a 55-17 drubbing of Youngstown State — the last of three cupcake opponents to open the season — gave the Spartans the confidence necessary for a trip to No. 22 Notre Dame (2-1) on Saturday.

For the first time in 2013, the much maligned MSU offense is preparing for an opponent with absolute clarity at center with sophomore quarterback Connor Cook at the helm and a rightful sense of confidence.

“What you saw last week is just the beginning for our offense,” Cook said.

Racking up 547 yards against the Penguins has MSU currently ranked No. 84 nationally in total offense.

MSU previously struggled on offense in two home wins.

Head coach Mark Dantonio said Cook is a more confident player following his four-touchdown performance in the dismantling of Youngstown State.

“Cook is always a guy that moves forward,” Dantonio said earlier this week.

“He’s not going to back down from a challenge. He’s pretty light in terms of how he approaches things. (He’s) going to do the best he can, have fun with it. I think that’s good right now for his mind-set as he goes into his first big away game, a marquee football game.”

Cook said he’s improved his preparation skills and film studying habits after learning from former star Kirk Cousins and senior Andrew Maxwell.

When asked what allowed him to emerge from a four-quarterback race, Cook said he “just had a feeling things would work out.”

“I just looked at it as I would come out every single day and just try and be the best quarterback no matter what,” he said.

“If I’m the guy, I’m still going to come out and try to be the best quarterback, out-compete them and try and make my teammates better.”

In Cook’s biggest test yet, he will have to contend with Notre Dame’s 3-4 defense, which has made life tough for MSU’s offense in recent years.

The Fighting Irish defense is not the vaunted cast of a year ago, although they feature a massive front line and currently are tied for No. 56 nationally in total defense.

“You’ve just gotta change protections, you’ve just gotta know who’s going to come, pick up blitzes and stuff like that,” Cook said regarding Notre Dame’s style.

Sophomore wide receiver Aaron Burbridge said the consistency under center this week has helped smooth the preparation for MSU’s first road game of the year.

“It’s a real good feeling knowing who the quarterback is for the game,” said Burbridge, who played sparingly in last year’s 20-3 loss to Notre Dame.

“We all can get a good feeling for his throws and timing of the ball and everything.”