Ball State University Athletics
Q&A With Football Coach Brady Hoke
October 15, 2007 | Football
Opening Statement
“Regarding Saturday it was obviously good to get the win. I told you that after the game that it is always good to get the win. It was very ugly football to some degree in the second quarter. We forced some turnovers for them which was really good to see from B.J. and Eddie. I think there was one more we should've had the fumble that they reversed the call on it looked like the guy had possession when looking at the tape. We had too many penalties in the second quarter. You turn the ball over and that doesn't help your offensive continuity. I didn't like that they got the field goal at the end of the first half. I thought our defense played hard but played too many plays. Offensively when you turn the ball over you can't get drives going but all in all I was pleased how we played in the second half on both sides of the ball. We have to run the ball better. When you look at the game it was a good one for us to win. We've got our work cut out for us in Kalamazoo this weekend.”
Q: What has happened with the running game? Why has it dropped off so dramatically?
A: “Number one I don't think we did anything real well when it comes down to the three components of blocking at the point of attack. I don't think we stayed on blocks long enough. We didn't hit some holes that were there. And as another thing as a coach when you turn the ball over you get a little snake bit there. Frank wasn't a 100 percent healthy before the game but I think we were reluctant to have him take a ton of carries.”
Q: Did Burch start because Edmonds was banged up a little bit?
A: “He earned the right a week ago and then he practiced really well all week.”
Q: How do you feel about the defense this game?
A: “The defensive guys hanging in together is what you like to see the demeanor of the team. The defense wanted to go out and play and that is what you want out of the defense.”
Q: Explain how you go from letting your opponent score 58 to 12? What was the difference?
A: "We didn't have near as much defense in the game plan as we did last week. The guys were more comfortable and that had a lot to do with it. They knew what the calls were, where they were going to line up, and how they were going to defend that play."
Q: Can you talk about the excessive yardage you've given up these last two games?
A: “ I think the last two quarterbacks had a lot to do with that they got a lot of one on one opportunities and if they are very talented and you are not leveraging the ball and moving your feet through you are going to give up yardage especially if you are not tackling well.”
Q: Is it easier to prepare for a team like Western Michigan and the way they run their offense?
A: “I can't say it does because of how talented they are. I think Bill does a really good job offensively trying to keep you off balance with a lot of different personnel groups and a lot of different formations. They are not that traditional. They run the zone with the quarterback keeps some, and they are doing a lot of different things that are good.”
Q: How important was the win over Western Kentucky especially since you are on the road the next three games?
A: “The win was important but every win is important. You go out there every week to play your best and improve every week and win. There is no question when you look at it now that it was very important to win."
Q: Talk about Lewis Johnson.
A: “It was huge to get Lewis back I think he earned his way back. I think that was big and it was good to see him get involved. He runs the ball pretty well and he's got good ability and he helps you stretch the field a little bit.”
Q: How big of a game is this going to be against Western Michigan?
A: “It is a big game I think we all know that it is a West Division game. But I don't know how many of them are not big a week from now, or two weeks from now those too will be big games. We will talk about where the league is at and what we need to do. But we've got to improve every week we hit the field. Two weeks ago I didn't think we were an improved football team I think we got back on track last week. But there is a lot that has to be done with the fundamentals of the game.”
