Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt is a proponent of the running game. He has worked hard for the past three years to try to change the Panthers from finesse to physical. And although the transition has been slower than expected, it seems as if the Panthers are finally developing that hard-nosed, physical identity he prefers.

The biggest change has been the emphasis on the running game, which has improved each year under Wannstedt. Despite facing defenses stacked to stop the run, the Panthers are running the ball even better this season. That's a credit to a change in the players' mind-set, an improved offensive line and, most important, the arrival of freshman tailback LeSean McCoy, the Panthers' first 1,000-yard rusher since 2000.

"We are definitely making strides in that area," Wannstedt said. "And what I like is that we are starting to zero in on a half dozen plays that our players are starting to believe in. If you ask our offensive line, they would say 'run this play' or 'run that play,' because they are starting to enjoy the mentality of a tough, run-orientated offense. And as we start throwing the ball better we'll start reaping some of the benefits of running the ball well.

"As you run the ball well, all of a sudden you start hitting those play-action passes, but we really haven't gotten to that point yet. But I think to a man in here, they understand what we are doing, why we are doing it and they believe in it."

The Panthers still aren't where Wannstedt wants them to be running the ball, but he has seen progress.

In 2004, the season before Wannstedt arrived, the Panthers ranked 105th in NCAA Division I-A in rushing offense (97.55 yards per game) and averaged 2.62 yards per carry. The next season, the Panthers improved to 93rd (116.82 yards per game, 3.20 yards per carry) and jumped to 78th (123 yards per game and 3.88 yards per carry) in 2006.

Through nine games this season, the Panthers are 64th in rushing offense and are averaging 152.22 yards per game and 4.01 yards per carry. And the Panthers should only get better the next few seasons as McCoy gains experience and the offensive line continues to improve.

Pitt senior tackle Mike McGlynn said the Panthers will become a dominant and physical team in the next few seasons if they continue to improve.

"We've taken some steps rushing the football and we've played a lot better and we are coming together as a group more," McGlynn said. "We've emphasized finishing every block on every play and we're improving. I was watching some film of our offensive line from a couple of years ago and we were horrible, but we've gotten so much better in both the run and the pass game from back then.."

"Coach [Matt] Cavanaugh and coach Wannstedt, they are known for running the ball and wanting to play straight smashmouth football and we're getting there a little at a time," McCoy said.

NOTES -- The players voted on captains for the season. They are left tackle Jeff Otah (offense), defensive end Joe Clermond (defense) and wide receiver Austin Ransom (special teams). ... Wannstedt, who has been recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, said he'll be on the sideline next week at Rutgers. He has coached the last three games from the press box.