BIG EAST Redshirt freshman Mike McGlynn helps solidify Pitt's improved line

The Austintown Fitch graduate has started two straight games.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The University of Pittsburgh's offensive line is finally healthy, and that coincided with the Panthers' best offensive performance of the season -- against Boston College last week.
Pitt (4-2, 2-1 Big East) has a chance to improve those numbers against Rutgers (4-2, 1-1) today at Heinz Field.
"I don't think we have much depth, yet, but [the BC game] was the first time that we got to play with our starting offensive line -- our five best players," said coach Walt Harris. "It looked like it made a difference, too. We've got five guys now, and those are the five we're going to hang with."
Fifth-year senior Rob Petitti has been a stalwart at left tackle since his playing career began as a redshirt freshman, and he had 42 straight starts until missing the Temple game two weeks ago with a concussion. But the 6-foot-6, 335-pound All-America candidate came back against Boston College on Saturday and kept end Mathias Kiwanuka from harassing quarterback Tyler Palko.
"That was definitely our best performance," Petitti said. "There's no question about that, and I think it's because we're finally healthy. We've had guys banged up all year, but now we have a chance to play together."
Solid line
Pitt ran for a season-high 177 yards against Boston College thanks to Petitti's return and the improvement of first-year offensive guard Charles Spencer, guard John Simonitis, right tackle Mike McGlynn and center Justin Belarski.
McGlynn, a redshirt freshman, is from Austintown Fitch High. He has started two straight games and moved ahead of junior Dale Williams.
Spencer, a former defensive tackle, is athletic but inexperienced. Belarski, who is taking graduate classes, finally is playing well after being hampered by an ankle injury last fall. Injuries forced Simonitis to start last year as a redshirt freshman, but he missed the four games this year due to an ankle problem.
Even though Pitt didn't allow a sack against Boston College, after it gave up a Big East-high 16 in the previous five games, the Panthers can't take Rutgers for granted. The Scarlet Knights and defensive end Ryan Neill lead the conference with 24 sacks. Neill, who missed last season with a knee injury, also leads the league with nine tackles behind the line.
Harris also praised Rutgers quarterback Ryan Hart, who has 1,634 passing yards (63.1 percent) and 10 touchdowns with eight interceptions. His top target is wideout Tres Moses with 42 catches for 462 yards.
Fullback Brian Leonard is the top rusher (402 yards) and No. 2 receiver with 30 catches and two scores.