In the second half of the game against Michigan State last year at Heinz Field, the Spartans scored 28 consecutive points and embarrassed Pitt on its home field, 38-23. It was the first of several games that the Panthers were overpowered by a bigger and stronger team.

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Next

• Game: Pitt (2-0) at Michigan State (2-0).
• When: Noon, Saturday.
• TV: ESPN.

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After a rigorous offseason spent with new strength and conditioning coach Buddy Morris, coach Dave Wannstedt believes the Panthers are in better position to stand toe-to-toe Saturday with the Spartans.

"I thought that last year we got worn down as the game went on," Wannstedt said. "It was a combination of three things: No. 1 the size and strength. No. 2, our conditioning and No. 3 our experience. I think this year we're better in all three of those phases. We're in great shape; I think our players believe that. We're a little stronger, and, because we have so many guys coming back, we should have some more experience and be a little bit smarter."

Michigan State rushed for 335 yards last season and easily won the battle of the trenches, especially in the second half. The Spartans averaged seven yards per carry.

Facing the Michigan State offensive line will be quite different than facing the lines from Eastern Michigan and Grambling State, Pitt's opponents the first two weeks of the season.

"This is a completely different deal," defensive line coach Greg Gattuso said. "They're powerful, big and strong and they'll come right at us. And we welcome that. We're excited about it. We got knocked around a little last year, and we have something to prove."

Wannstedt hired Morris in December to get his players in better condition. That meant more time in the weight room and running in winter, spring and summer, but the end result is more confidence among players going into this game.

"Buddy has done wonders around here," free safety Eric Thatcher said. "You can really tell with the lines."

Michigan State has two big backs who are averaging more than 70 yards per game. Javon Ringer has 163 yards on 35 carries and Jehuu Caulcrick has 146 yards on 24 carries.

Sophomore defensive tackle John Malecki said the Panthers are better prepared for the Spartans' run-first offense this season because of their improved conditioning. The game last year was tied, 10-10, at halftime, but the Spartans scored four touchdowns in 16 minutes to blow the game open.

"We all feel great in the fourth quarter," Malecki said. "You can turn on the tape and we look just as good on snap 60 as snap one. We took conditioning more seriously than we used to around here."

Making matters more difficult this week, the defensive line will be without Gus Mustakas, who sustained a season-ending knee injury against Grambling. That means four players will rotate at defensive tackle. Tommie Duhart and Mick Williams will compete for Mustakas' starting position and likely will split the snaps in the game.

Pitt's defense has given up 192 yards per game, 62 on the ground. But starting nose tackle Rashaad Duncan knows those numbers are skewed. He said the Spartans will be a better measuring stick.

"Michigan State is a real test," Duncan said. "Everyone [will know] what our D-line will be like after we play against a strong offensive line this one. This is probably the biggest offensive line we'll face all year. We've been preparing for this game all year. We're looking for some retaliation after what they did to us last year."