SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis has a concern this week he hasn't had to worry about since 2006: dealing with success.

He has a simple question for the Fighting Irish (2-0): "Are you going to spend a week watching TV and reading the newspapers and having everyone tell you that you're halfway decent now, or are you going to go try to grow from this?"

Weis knows the Fighting Irish have reason to feel good about themselves after a 2-0 start. During last year's dismal 3-9 season and following an unimpressive effort in the opening game against San Diego State, the Irish players were met repeatedly with questions from the media, alumni and classmates about what was wrong with the team.

After a 35-17 victory against rival Michigan on Saturday, those questions have gone away for now. They've been replaced by kudos. Weis, who was walking with a limp but without a cane yesterday after injuring his knee on the sideline Saturday, wants the Irish to enjoy where they are. He just doesn't want them enjoying it too much.

"I think this is the next step on the curve where you can sit there and say, 'OK, now what are you going to do?' '' Weis said yesterday. "You've had some moderate success, what are you going to do with that success?"

The Irish are in a good position. They have played well enough to be happy, but have enough areas that need improvement that players realize they have a lot of work to do.

The Irish are ranked 96th in the country in total offense at 301 yards a game, 70th in total defense giving up 367 yards a game and on special teams they are 85th in kickoff returns heading into Saturday's game against Michigan State.