Ball State University Athletics
Q&A With Football Coach Brady Hoke on the Football Team's Season Opener
August 27, 2007 | Football
Q&A with Ball State Head Football Coach Brady Hoke on the football team's season opener vs. Miami University on Thursday, Aug. 30 at 7:00 p.m. in newly renovated Scheumann Stadium.
Opening statement
"We are excited about Thursday. I bet if you ask Shane Montgomery he feels the same way. It's time to play somebody else instead of yourself. We will practice again today, and tomorrow we will have a light day. We had a light one yesterday that was very spirited. The guys feel the anticipation of getting out on the field and seeing where we are at as a football team. I like how our football camp went. I think our team has a really good confidence level and spirit about where they are at and the commitment level which they made. We feel good about that, and now it is time to play the football game."
Question: Is there much of a difference preparing for this year's game as significant as it may seem being the home opener, conference opener and the first game played in newly renovated Scheumann Stadium?
Answer: "My demeanor in getting ready hasn't changed. No matter if we were opening up at Iowa City like we did a couple of years ago or wherever. I mean you always get to a point where you've done a lot of work, and there has been a lot of commitment, and you feed on each other a little bit. It's time to play somebody else. We have high expectations, there is no question about it, but I think we've had those expectations all along."
Question: How do you compare Miami's 2007 football team to last season's team?
Answer: "They are a real solid football team. I think they went through some injuries that really kind of hit them bad right before they played us a year ago with their offensive line. Brandon Murphy did not have the year he is used to having; I think Kokal is a very good quarterback in this league. He may be the best quarterback in the East Division. I think they have playmakers, I think they have a real gritty defense. It is going to be a great challenge for us on Thursday night and it's going to be a heck of a football game."
Question: How do you feel Nate Davis has progressed as a quarterback from a year ago?
Answer: "We are going to find out is my best answer. He has made some throws during the last three weeks that you kind of wonder how he got the ball in there and what did he see that we didn't see, and that is even what you think after you watch it on film. He made a throw last night to Darius that I have not seen a whole lot of guys make."
Question: How do the players like the new playing surface?
Answer: "Comparative astro turf is light years better. It's very similar to grass. The injuries are limited, and those guys love it. The team got going pretty early during the summer with it, and it's a lot different practicing on it."
Question: What are your feelings about Miami as a player here and as a coach?
Answer: "It is a very intense rivalry. There is a lot of history there, especially when we were in the same division. We play them every year. It's an hour and 25 minutes down the road. I am an Ohio guy. My dad played at Miami. You like to beat a good football team with a lot of tradition."
