Ball State University Athletics
Q&A With Football Coach Brady Hoke
October 22, 2007 | Football
Opening Statement:
Obviously it's great to get out of
We've got to put more pressure on our opposing teams defensively. We're still not where we need to be. It's great to get a victory and win, and now we need to move forward with
Q: Chris Miller probably had his best game Saturday, how does that influence field position?
A: “I think Chris did an absolutely great job punting on Saturday field position became a big part of the game. As a coach it makes it a little more comfortable for the defense when you have good field position.”
Q: Playing two big ten teams this late in the season, do you find that to be disruptive?
A: “I'm not a fan of the schedule. It is what we have to deal with and work through. I think we'd rather be playing a team out of the MAC East as coaches and be playing eight conference games. As coaches we voted to play nine conference games if we're going to play 12 games on our schedule. The presidents and the athletic directors make the decisions, obviously we don't make them. Besides what the product is on the field, it is what it is, its part of football.”
Q: As a football team is it an easy transition to just go to the next game or is it a different mindset?
A: “I think it's easy because you're in a routine of preparing for who's next. Our kids feel that way you know ok we have another game this Saturday another test, another opportunity to get better and play this game, really that's what you're looking for (to get better).”
Q: What would the significance be of a win at
A: “You know we've got to get better we can't punt 10 times as early as we did at western Michigan our backs have to run better, you know every play of our football has to get better. You can't give up a 62 yard run like we did last weekend late in first half. We tried to secure a lead but you can't when you give up a big play on a second down, and give them the position to make the play and it doesn't matter who we're playing we just have to get better and meet some goals we've set for this weekend.”
Q: Why hasn't
A: “We haven't played well enough since I've been here. We didn't execute at
Q: Your buddies (
A: “I talk to the head coach at least once a week. He's a friend.”
Q: Is it taboo for
A: “I don't know what the ethics are but I don't think it's a problem; don't think
Q: Can you talk about your running game?
A: “I don't think we ran the ball particularly well. Until late in the game, I think Frank struggled a little as did Koreem struggled a little then he got hurt. He got hit in the thigh that was part of it. Frank really ran the ball hard in the fourth quarter. That was good to see. We've got to create a little more opportunity for him, and we need to get a little of an edge for him including little more separation.”
