Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said the 17-13 loss Saturday to Michigan State produced some positive developments.

And while it was difficult to accept the loss because Pitt had opportunities to win the game, he believes it is something his team can build on as it continues to mature.

What stood out the most for Wannstedt was the Panthers' toughness, a vast improvement from a year ago.

"I thought the Michigan State game would be a true indicator of some things," Wannstedt said. "We have a long way to go in certain areas, but for the most part I was pleased with the effort. I think we walked away, particularly after watching the film, with a lot of bright spots. I thought our guys showed enough toughness and strength to win that football game.

"Sometimes it isn't the team that makes the most good plays that wins but rather it is the team that makes the fewest bad plays. And as a team we have to do whatever we can to eliminate the bad plays and build some confidence in certain areas."

Eleven of Pitt's 22 starters made their first career road start, yet they didn't get rattled by the hostile crowd and didn't lose their poise, Wannstedt said, proof that the offseason conditioning program to make the team mentally tougher worked.

Injury update

The most seriously injured is tackle Jason Pinkston (shoulder) and his status is day to day. If he can't play, Mike McGlynn or John Bachman will start at right tackle. Also, defensive end Chris McKillop and defensive tackle Mick Williams were hurt Saturday but are expected to play against Connecticut.

Tailback LaRod Stephens-Howling (ribs) and tight end John Pelusi (shoulder) should return this week. Linebacker Nate Nix was banged up this past weekend, which was why he was held out of the Michigan State game.

Quick hits

If Stephens-Howling returns, it's likely he'll be in the starting lineup despite the way LeSean McCoy played the past two weeks. "We'll work them both, and we need them both," Wannstedt said. ... He cited the Panthers' tackling as one obvious reason for the improvement on defense. "The one thing that jumps out at me with our defense is that we are missing fewer tackles than we've missed since I've been here." ... The kickoff for the Virginia game Sept. 29 has been set for 7 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPNU, which also will carry Saturday's Pitt-Connecticut game. ... Pitt broadcaster Bill Hillgrove will receive the Chris Schenkel Award, given annually to a sports broadcaster who has enjoyed a long and distinguished career broadcasting college football at a single institution, Saturday from the National Football Foundation. ... D.J. Hernandez played quarterback for Connecticut last season and he led the Huskies to a dramatic overtime win against the Panthers. This year, he's on the other end of the passing equation -- he's now a receiver and leads the team in yards per catch.