The 207-yard rushing performance Saturday against Michigan State might suggest that Pitt's offensive line is coming into its own. And in some ways, the line has shown improvement.

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Next

• Game: Pitt (2-1) vs. Connecticut (3-0) in Big East opener.
• When: 7 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: Heinz Field.
• TV: ESPNU.

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But five sacks and some ill-timed penalties contributed greatly to Pitt's poor offensive execution in the 17-13 loss in East Lansing, Mich. There is plenty of blame to go around for Pitt's offensive woes -- the quarterback and receivers included -- but offensive line coach Paul Dunn said his unit has to start playing better.

"We're constantly looking to make improvements," Dunn said yesterday. "That's what we stress all the time. We've had a little slower start than I anticipated. Hopefully, in the weeks to come, we'll continue to work hard in practice. You take out the penalties in this game, especially the false starts, and we made some considerable improvements. That's what you look for. "

Pitt had 10 penalties against the Spartans, and the offensive line had five of them. Four were false-start penalties, including two at the end of the first half when the Panthers had a hard time dealing with the Michigan State crowd noise.

"We have to become more disciplined," Dunn said. "It's that simple on the offensive line. You can't go into enemy territory and not expect it to be loud."

The false starts helped kill some drives, but the biggest penalty came midway through the fourth quarter. Trailing, 14-10, with 10 minutes remaining, Pitt had first-and-goal at the 8. After a 4-yard gain on first down, center Chris Vangas was penalized 15 yards for a facemask penalty. So, instead of second-and-goal from the 4, it was first-and-goal from the 23.

After gaining 11 yards in three plays, the Panthers had to settle for a Connor Lee 29-yard field goal that made it 14-13.

"I've been staying up all night thinking about it because it really hurt us," Vangas said. "If I didn't get that, I know for sure we punch it in and win the game."

Vangas and guard Mike McGlynn were double-teaming a Michigan State defender. The defender tried to penetrate past Vangas, and Vangas' hand got caught in the defender's facemask.

"It's unacceptable on the goal line," Vangas said. "But it's one of those things."

Pitt's coaching staff believes the facemask call should have been a 5-yard penalty instead of 15 yards. Nonetheless, it was another mistake that set the offense back.

The penalties can be blamed on bad luck and crowd noise. The problems in pass protection are more difficult to assess. McGlynn, Jeff Otah, and C.J. Davis are returning starters. The only changes are Vangas starting at center, McGlynn playing guard and Jason Pinkston at right tackle.

"It's taken a little time," Vangas said. "Mike's never played guard. I never played next to Mike. But we're working through it. We're getting better at it each day."

Pinkston sustained a shoulder injury against Michigan State and had to miss some time. That caused some in-game shuffling. When Pinkston got hurt in the second quarter, Jon Bachman moved to right tackle. When Pinkston went out in the second half, McGlynn shifted to tackle, and Joe Thomas came into the game at guard.

"We have to try to develop as much continuity as we can, but that's football," Dunn said. "Sometimes, you'll have injuries. Other guys have to step it up."

NOTE -- Running back LaRod Stephens-Howling returned to practice yesterday after missing a week with to a rib injury. "He and Shady [McCoy] will both work, and they'll both play," coach Dave Wannstedt said.