An internal combustion engine includes a method for operating including, determining, using an accelerator pedal position sensor, an operator request for power and determining an engine operating point based upon the operator request for power. A motored-cylinder temperature is determined based upon the engine operating point, and a knock-limited combustion phasing point is determined based upon the motored-cylinder temperature and the engine operating point. Engine operating parameters associated with achieving the knock-limited combustion phasing point are selected. Operation includes controlling, by a controller, engine control states in response to the engine operating parameters associated with achieving the knock-limited combustion phasing point and the operator request for power.