Back in the dreary bowels of Gampel Pavilion, a place I've spent way too much time over the last five years. They need to brighten this place up a little for the media. A nice fern would do wonders. Maybe a fruit bowl or framed painting. Wait a minute...

That's a little better. Now I can write. First media luncheon is in the books. The teriyaki beef with broccoli was delightful, but I can't help but think things were a little dull today. Certainly, the lack of Rob Lunn plays a factor, as he so often ratcheted things up single-handedly. Listening to Ohio coach Frank Solich didn't exactly liven things. Solich, like so many coaches, have a gift for speaking for extended durations without actually telling you anything. Essentially, he said he feels that the team that scores the most points on Saturday is probably going to win the game.

I'm exaggerating, of course. Solich did say his teams have faced the no huddle several times over the last few seasons and are well prepared for the problems the up-tempo style can bring. He also said Ohio's game-planning included a mix of looking at what Joe Moorehead did at Akron last year along with UConn game film from last season.

A few other quick notes and observations.

• Zach Frazer said he will wear a new helmet this season to help absorb the shock of being hit. Frazer had at least two concussions last season (one in preseason, one at Rutgers). I didn't get all the details of the helmet, but Frazer said it's a model being worn in college as well as the NFL.
• Jordan Todman doesn't know how many touches he'll get this year, but feels if a particular game situation calls for him to carry 30 times or more, he's ready. "I definitely feel I'm ready for the workload," Todman said. "I think I do a good job not taking big hits, taking half of the man or getting hit on the side and being able to slide off. We're all in good shape. I think if it ever calls for 30 carries, I'll be fine. Get tackled, get back up, and if I ever am tired we have Dixon, Meme, Frey who can go in and produce also."

Be sure to participate in my live chat on Thursday afternoon, 2 p.m. at http://www.nhregister.com/. It's right after Edsall's final conference call before the Ohio game. I'll answer any and all of your questions.