Ball State University Athletics
Q&A With Football Coach Brad Hoke
September 10, 2007 | Football
Opening Statement
“Obviously it is good to win a football game. We went up there and played pretty good football. There are some things we need to work on as far as consistency goes offensively and defensively. We've got to keep improving on a weekly basis and be consistent with what we are doing. Offensively, we had no turnovers, and the times of possession were both good factors. We rushed the ball well, but I feel there are more yards out there. We need to block a little better. MiQuale played well but I think he could play better. Defensively, we've got to put pressure, and we talked about this from the front forward. I thought we gave up some big plays, and we can't do that. Obviously, it's good to win, and it is good to make corrections after a win. This week we really will have our hands full. Navy has a great football tradition when you look back historically. They have two Heisman Trophy winners and recently played in four bowl games. Coach Johnson has done a great job of implementing his option attack and what they do with it. That will present some challenges that we really need to concentrate on. We started last night with it, and we are hopefully going to learn more Tuesday and Wednesday about it.”
Q: What are your consistency issues with your offense and defense?
A: “If I were to be specific, offensively, I think we have to protect the quarterback consistently better. He got hit way too many times for me and for us offensively. That is the number one thing we need to work on offensively. We also need to block better. We need to finish more plays in our running game. MiQuale played well, but I think there are more yards out there for him to get. Defensively, giving up the big play bothers me. Giving up a big play hurts your morale, and that is important to me. I think we are playing tighter coverage defensively, which is a good thing.”
Q: How important was it to score the touchdown after Eastern Michigan faked the punt?
A: “There is no question that after Eastern tried to fake the punt early in the game the touchdown really gave us a good feel. I didn't think we were in rhythm as much as we needed to be. We had too many penalties.”
Q: It seems as if your defense is better than it has been the last few years. What are you guys doing differently this year?
A: “We started in the spring talking about trying to get some defensive identity. I think things are starting to come together. Bryant Haines being healthy is a big plus. I think Amara Koroma played much better this past weekend. I think Troy Davis and B.J. Hill have both made an impact on our defense. And they probably get tired of hearing that they are not very good.”
Q: What is going on with the wide receiver position?
“A lot is going on. I think Joe Everett getting the touchdown pass the other day will make him more of a factor. I know Danny Ifft played a decent amount of snaps the other day, but we have to give him the ball now. Dante is doing a lot, so there are four other guys in the mix, and we are going to expect more from them.”
Q: Can you talk about Navy and their option offense?
A: “They are so good at what they do. It will be difficult. They have so many formations. You have to be basic and sound in your game plan, and sometimes that is easier for an offense. The trick is for your guys with two days of preparation to feel comfortable and knowing the offense enough and then also being able to have a change-up that they feel comfortable with.”
Players Mentioned
