A method to control operation of an engine during a transition from a first to a second combustion mode is provided. The engine includes a controllable throttle valve, a variable valve actuation system for controlling openings and closings of intake and exhaust valves, and, an intake and an exhaust. Mass airflow, intake manifold pressure, and cylinder volume to operate the engine in the second combustion mode and meet an operator torque request are determined. Current states for mass airflow, intake manifold pressure, and cylinder volume are determined. An opening position of the controllable throttle valve and the openings and the closings of the intake and exhaust valves are controlled during the transition to the second combustion mode based upon differences between the current states for mass airflow, intake manifold pressure, and cylinder volume, and, the mass airflow, the intake manifold pressure, and the cylinder volume.