Q: Knowing that our offensive line is a "weakness" and doesn't allow Bill Stull much time to throw, is there any chance that Pitt would ever go to a shotgun 4 WR set with only LeSean McCoy or LaRod Stephens-Howling in the backfield?

Roman Trebon, Atlanta

ZEISE: I don't know that the entire thing needs to be thrown out and start from scratch, in fact I think at this point that is not likely possible. The Panthers do have some four-wide sets and I really don't think that the pass blocking was terrible -- I mean there were a few miscues, but for the most part Bill Stull had enough time to throw. Also, the offensive line, while not great, is good enough -- not good enough to be a power-running team that blows people off the ball, but good enough to create holes and to pass protect. There is no reason this offense shouldn't be able to score points, there are no glaring weaknesses and even the one "weakness" right tackle, played well enough Saturday that I don't believe the game was lost due to poor line play. I think the coaches didn't adjust very well to some things and give the offense a better chance to make some plays. The biggest difference for tonight's game has to be the way the Panthers attack the defense -- attack being the key word. Three years of being passive on offense has produced very mediocre results.

Q: Why on earth when Bowling Green keyed on Shady didn't we use the tandem of LaRod and Shady at the same time. Seems like that would force teams to play the perimeter and not key on one person. I'm tired of the excuse the offensive line is inexperienced. Isn't that what the preseason is for?

Doug Weber, Erie

ZEISE: Similar to the first question -- I agree. This was something they worked on a lot during camp -- using these two in the backfield together and creating a very dangerous backfield. But I can't recall that we saw this even once in the Bowling Green game. Having those two out there really changes the way a team can defend the Panthers -- because it is something you have to respect. The line didn't do a great job of run-blocking -- though McCoy didn't help himself very much with the amount of dancing he did in the backfield. He needs to hit the hole with a purpose -- like he did against West Virginia -- and be satisfied with those 5-yard and 6-yard gains instead of trying to make every run an 80-yard touchdown. The running game struggles were a combination of factors on the field, but I also think the coaches left a few things in the bag that they should have at least tried.

Q: After watching Wannstedt's news conference on Tuesday I believe he's lost his team. Is it possible he doesn't know that? I think his own players are questioning his calls as head coach. Do you agree?

Paul Lochrane, Tarentum

ZEISE: This is a common refrain when a team is losing -- people said the same thing about losing the team last year after the Navy game and all the team did was come out and pull two (Cincinnati and West Virginia) major upsets coming down the stretch. I don't buy that "lost the team stuff", the players are frustrated with losing and they are frustrated that they weren't able to just show up and win. But I don't think they've lost confidence in Wannstedt or the coaches, from what I saw they came out with a good attitude every day and worked hard. The only thing that this team needs to heal is a win and then another win and then another win.