DaytonDailyNews.com

Q Talk about the communication on the line.

A "It takes awhile with a new center as Jimmy (Cordle) has taken over this year. We did a lot of things where we didn't even talk this week; we were using hand signals."

Q (Pointing to bandaged left wrist) Did you hurt your hand giving the signals?

A "No, it's been hurt since Youngstown."

Q Is it tough taking a break from the Big Ten season for a nonconference game?

A "Playing games is just better than a bye week. I didn't like the bye weeks when we had them. I'd rather be playing in the game."

Q Is it difficult to stay motivated after a 6-0 start?

A "Coach Tress is always showing us things like how many the six teams won that we beat compared to how many games the six teams we have left to play won. It's a little bit different, so it shows us we have good games left."

Q The team struggled early in short-yardage situations. Any reason why?

A "You have to get everybody on the same page, not just the offensive line but the fullbacks and tight ends. You get down there and they're throwing everything at you, loading the box with nine or 10 games."

Q How have you felt about your season?

A "I think I've been playing well, I've been scoring pretty high (on game film evaluation). I feel like I'm in great shape now. I weigh 329, so I'm feeling good."

Q What were you before?

A "I came in at 344. It was the offseason and I was dealing with some other stuff, and it got out of control."

Q Did they tell you lose weight?

A "Yeah, and I got down even lower than they wanted me to. I'm still trying to fight down to get even lower."

— Kyle Nagel, Staff Writer