CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Pitt's offensive line has been beaten up this year, by fans, by media and most of all by opposing defenses. In fact, the line's subpar play is viewed by most as one of the top reasons the Panthers did not reach any of their lofty goals.

Basically, the line never gelled, never found an identity and often looked as if it was overmatched. As a result, Pitt's running game never really got on track and quarterback Rod Rutherford was often left to try and make plays.

That's why the offensive linemen believe the Continental Tire Bowl against Virginia is not just another minor bowl game. They view it as one last chance at redemption.

"This is a big step for us," junior tackle Rob Petitti said. "A lot of people have said we didn't get it done this year, and in a lot of games we didn't. We, starting at the top with [offensive line] coach Tom Freeman and coming to the bottom with us, all want to get it done bad. We've worked hard but we have to have a good week. The heat is on all of us because the O-line hasn't been doing good.

"I don't like when guys talk bad about us because we work hard. And those games when we don't get it done, believe it or not, we are the most upset of anyone. It has been tough this year, so hopefully, this last game we'll get it done because we have the guys to do it."

The offensive line struggles have been well documented, but some of the problems have been beyond its control. Left guard Dan LaCarte has struggled with various ankle injuries. And both players slated to play center were injured throughout training camp, so guard Jon Schall was converted to center and a redshirt freshman, John Simonitis, was inserted as the starting right guard.

Then, just as the line seemed to be coming together, starting tailback Brandon Miree went down with a lower leg injury. Without him, the Panthers' running game faltered and the pressure on the line increased.

"We had a tough year," Simonitis said, "We had a lot going against us. I think we started to get better at the end, but it took us a long time to learn each other's playing styles and things. But Brandon Miree is a big reason for our running game's problems. He's one of a kind. When he's there, I miss a block and he's still going to make a play. He can break tackles. When he wasn't, I miss a block and it is a loss.

"That's why this is sort of one more chance for us."

Simonitis and Petitti said that Virginia will present a challenge like no other team this year because they play a 3-4 defense, much like the Steelers. This is the first time the Panthers have faced a 3-4 team so the linemen's assignments are different than they have been.

"In the run game, my job is much more difficult because I have to block linebackers instead of down linemen," Simonitis said. "In the pass game, there isn't anyone in front of me, so I have to know my assignments very well because I'm helping people. This is a defensive front that is made for the linebackers to make all the plays. So the key for us is to slow down their linebackers, and they're fast."

NOTES -- Pitt coach Walt Harris and Virginia coach Al Groh were assistants under Bill Parcells at Air Force in 1978. Groh was the defensive coordinator and Harris coached the secondary. ... About 10 players, including star receiver Larry Fitzgerald, saw their flights canceled and were not able to get to Charlotte with the rest of the team. ... The Panthers had their first practice in Charlotte yesterday, but did not go in pads and practiced for only about an hour.