(AP) -- Michigan State quarterback Andrew Maxwell has waited a long time to start in a game like Saturday night's marquee matchup with Notre Dame.

Maxwell sat behind Kirk Cousins for three years and started two games this season. The Washington Redskins rookie QB says he was confident Maxwell would fare well this fall as his replacement.

Maxwell survived his first start, a win over Boise State, and thrived in his second, a rout over Central Michigan.

Michigan State quarterbacks coach Dave Warner says the stage and stakes will be higher when No. 10 Michigan State hosts the 22nd-ranked Fighting Irish.

(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)