Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko believes the Panthers' offense is struggling because it is in a state of transition.

But he laughed at the notion that the new offense, which is more run-oriented than the offense under former coach Walt Harris, is restricting him from making plays or slowing his progress as a player.

	John Beale, Post-Gazette Tyler Palko's numbers are better this season than they were after two games last year. Click photo for larger image. Related coverage Shelly Anderson: History lesson in order for Pitt fans

L ike anything in life, he said, there are growing pains the whole team is going through but that doesn't mean the offensive system isn't working.

"All of the mistakes we've made are very correctable," Palko said. "We are not playing well offensively right now. I'm not playing well. I made some mistakes that cost the team. But we aren't questioning our existence here on Earth; we just haven't clicked yet. It'll take some work, but we'll be fine.

"Right now, it is a feeling out process with this offense. As much as I study and learn the system, I still have to get used to the offense and I'll continue working, as will everyone else."

The Panthers (0-2) play Nebraska (2-0) Saturday, and Palko said he expects the offense to play much better than it did in a 16-10 overtime loss to Ohio. He said a key will be his decision making.

Palko has received some criticism for getting off to a slow start but in reality his numbers are very similar -- if not better -- than they were last year after two games.

Through two games, Palko has completed 33 of 60 passes (55 percent) for 340 yards, four interceptions and a touchdown. After two games last year, Palko was 28 of 64 (43 percent) for 277 yards, four interceptions and two touchdowns.

One difference is that last year the Panthers were 1-1 after two games. Pitt beat Ohio, 24-3, in the opener last year, and the main difference was turnovers. The Panthers forced them last year and turned them into points. This season, Palko threw two interceptions which were returned for touchdowns and another in the end zone that prevented Pitt from scoring.

Palko actually threw more times (26 to 19) for more yards (120 to 49) against Ohio this year. Last season was his first year as a starter in Harris's offense, and after that slow start, he grew into one of the top quarterbacks in the Big East.

He said he expects his learning process to be similar this year, but he acknowledges that he will need some help from his teammates, particularly the wide receivers. A change has been made at the position, with Derek Kinder starting at flanker in place of Joe DelSardo.

"Whatever the coaches have to do offensively, I know they will do," he said. "I think anytime you start off slow, there will be a shake up in the lineup, and I think that's where we are at. The biggest problem has been missed assignments. We've had some mental busts and that's a big reason why we didn't have success."

Palko took responsibility for his part in the Panthers' loss to Ohio and in fact, after the game said the loss was "all on me." However, Pitt offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh said the interceptions weren't Palko's all his fault.

Cavanaugh said the first interception returned for a touchdown was his fault. He said he called a play using a route that works in the NFL, but not necessarily in college, because of the difference in the spacing of the hash marks. He said the second interception was DelSardo's fault because he didn't come back to the ball.

"We have to get the turnovers under control," Cavanaugh said. "But it is more than just Tyler -- our receivers have to work back to some balls, our line has to protect a little better. But if we can cut down on turnovers against Nebraska we will have a chance. There are a lot of nuances about the college game that I have to learn as well. It's only two games so it is too early to press the panic button just yet."

NOTES -- Starting tailback Rashad Jennings is questionable because of a shoulder injury. He has not practiced the past two days. If Jennings is unable to play Saturday, senior Ray Kirkley will start at tailback and split time with sophomore Brandon Mason and freshman LaRod Stephens. ... Joe Clermond began training camp as a starting defensive end but he has played sparingly and has yet to register a tackle. "He hasn't been practicing well," Coach Dave Wannstedt said. "He got banged up a little bit earlier. If guys don't practice good, I don't know how we can expect them to play good." ... Reserve safety Jemeel Brady, who missed the Ohio game with an ankle injury, returned to practice yesterday. ... The Panthers practiced with fan noise blaring through a loud speaker system yesterday in order to get ready to play at Memorial Stadium, which holds 73,918 and is known as one of the loudest stadiums in the country.

"I'm not playing well. I made some mistakes that cost the team. But we aren't questioning our existence here on Earth."