EAST LANSING, Mich. -- At some point in Pitt's game against Connecticut at Heinz Field Saturday, Panthers fans likely will be calling for coaches to put the team's superstar freshman quarterback into the game.

That will not be a surprise given the Panthers' quarterback situation. The only thing is, the freshman quarterback Pitt fans will be calling for is LeSean McCoy, not Pat Bostick.

McCoy Pitt's heralded freshman tailback, lined up at quarterback for much of the second half in the Panthers' Wildcat formation in the 17-13 loss to Michigan State yesterday.

The formation, inspired by the way Arkansas has used Darren McFadden the past two seasons, called for McCoy to take a direct snap from center in the shotgun formation and then either run or hand the ball off.

"I love that set," said McCoy, who made his first career start and rushed for 172 yards and a touchdown. "It is really just a different look for the defense and it worked. It is a fast count, it is a great set up and a great offense. It could be something for us to lean on, it certainly could be. I thought the key was the boys up front, they did a great job of making seams for me.

"I think that offense makes it easier to read your blocks."

Injuries galore

The Panthers have had some bad luck this year, and yesterday they appeared to have had more key players injured.

Offensive tackle Jason Pinkston left the game with a shoulder injury, but later returned. Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said Pinkston was not 100 percent. Defensive tackle Mick Williams went down with a shoulder injury, and tight end John Pelusi was held out for the second consecutive game with a shoulder injury. Tailback LaRod Stephens-Howling (bruised ribs), the starter when the season began, made the trip but did not dress.

A good foundation

Although the Panthers lost, the defense performed admirably against the Spartans' high-powered rushing attack. Michigan State entered the game averaging 220 yards per game rushing, but the Panthers limited the Spartans to 144 yards rushing and 2.8 yards per carry.

Pitt defensive tackle Tommie Duhart said this was just the start for the defensive line, which was challenged going into the game because of the way the unit was pushed around by the Spartans' offensive line last season.

"They were very big up front, but we stepped up and answered the test they gave us," Duhart said. "As far as them pounding us like they were supposed to, it didn't happen. We fought for four quarters, and that's all you can ask for. I think we won the battle in the trenches; we played tremendously. We have some things to work on this week, but we answered it today."

Quick hits

Pitt's captains were offensive tackle Jeff Otah, safety Mike Phillips and linebacker Adam Gunn. ... Williams made his first career start at defensive tackle. ... Junior defensive tackle Rashaad Duncan recorded two of Pitt's six sacks. ... Duhart blocked a field goal in the fourth quarter. ... Michigan State improved to 6-0-1 against the Panthers. ... Pitt quarterback Kevan Smith was 9 of 18 for only 85 yards and two interceptions, but Wannstedt said he was never in danger of being pulled in favor of Bostick. ... Pitt was 0 for 12 on third downs.