Ball State University Athletics
Q&A With Football Coach Brady Hoke
October 08, 2007 | Football
Opening Statement
"Regarding last week, it was really disappointing and we were disappointing as a team. I was disappointed with my preparation with the team. We didn't play like we needed to play in any phase besides our kickoff team and kickoff coverage, which was played much better. Those were two factors that we have really wanted to improve on, and we did a better job with those teams this week. When you make nine penalties in a game, it doesn't help with continuity or consistency and those are things that you need to be successful. We didn't play sharp or with the effort that is expected, and that is on me. I have to do a better job of preparing our team."
Q: What was the big difference in the teams' attitude this game?
A: "I don't know. I am still looking into that. We played flat, and our demeanor at times was down. You have a guy that scores a touchdown and there are only two guys celebrating with that guy. That is not how you play the game. Every game there are going to be highs and lows, and I don't think we handled those well. I have to do a better job of being a leader of this team."
Q: What aspect of the game needed better preparation?
A: "I can say defensively. We cannot try to call a perfect defense every play especially with the spread teams. And I did that, and I know I killed us on three plays. When the players aren't sure because you get the play in late because you are trying to be perfect then they are not going to play with aggression. On that end of it, we can do a much better job. We got punched in the mouth and we didn't punch back, and that is not how we want to represent ourselves and the program."
Q: Do you need to simplify your game plan a little more from now on?
A: "Yes, there is no question we need to simply our plan against the spread. I think the spread in general hurts us. We had a good plan, but I think it was too much of a good plan. It is my fault. I have been coaching long enough to know better. We are only limited to 20 hours a week, and trying to get our guys to execute it in that time frame is hard. They might execute it well on Thursday, but when live bullets are flying in the heat of the battle it is a different story sometimes."
Q: Can you be better at not cluttering their minds so much?
A: "Yeah, some people are really good at multi-tasking and doing a lot of things at once, and some people aren't. We have to take the approach that people aren't and be a little more basic and stress fundamentals."
Q: Six games in now, is the defense's identity starting to show?
A: "I think our defense is better than what it showed on Saturday. I think we are doing a lot of things better than we have in the past. We took a step back no question on Saturday, and that is something we have to resolve this week."
Q: Where is this team headed?
A: "Hopefully, 4-3. I like our team; I like the kids and their character. Was I happy with the way they performed against Central Michigan and the way we coached? No, not at all. But that doesn't mean I don't like this team. We just have to go back to some basic fundamentals and scale things back just a little bit."
Q: What about this team needs the most improvement?
A: "We need to play better on the front seven defensively. At times we have been pretty solid there, but at times I think we lack in integrity. Offensively, you know Nate got hit 14 times too many. It is tough to play quarterback when you have people in your face. Both fronts need to keep improving, and when they improve you will be a better team."
Q: A lot of people were surprised with the attendance number on Saturday. Did the players and coaches notice that?
A: “Yes the kids noticed, and yes it affected us. You come from playing at a Nebraska, and even though it was a hostile environment, you dig that and it juices you up. The Buffalo game was great; our students were great I thought. You notice when there aren't very many people at the games. If I notice it I promise you our team notices it. "
Q: Do you think winning games affects the fan base?
A: "Winning helps in anything you do. It doesn't matter what you are doing."
Q: Talk about Western Kentucky.
A: “They are a good football team, and we knew that when they were on our schedule. They have some good transfers. They have some tradition. They have very skilled people on offense. It is an offense that we just played against. I think they are a good football team. They played Florida pretty gritty. They have two strong quarterbacks that can play. Both can run the ball and throw the ball pretty well, so we have our work cut out for us."
