2008 Woodie Awards
SPORT FOR THOUGHT: Hoke preaches unification for upcoming year
Ryan Wood
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The fact Miller is an All-American punter didn't seem to earn him many points with media members. Similar to game situations, those in attendance preferred to see the Cardinals' quarterback instead of their punter.
"When you're here with Nate, obviously he's going to get all the attention and hoopla," Miller said.
To get the jokes out of the way, yes, it is fitting that the only punter in attendance represented Ball State, formerly known as "Punter U." But there's no question Miller's credentials merited coach Brady Hoke's decision to have his punter represent Ball State's 84th football team.
In his first three years with the Cardinals, Miller has carried on the great punting tradition that has led to its nickname. His 45.4 yards per punt was third in the nation, good enough to be named a top 10 finalist for the Ray Guy Award and Ball State's sixth first-team All-American in school history. Looking at his laundry list of awards, it's clear Miller has already become one of the most decorated football players in Ball State history.
Yet, Miller's statistics, records and honors weren't the real reason Hoke brought the punter to media day instead of a more recognizable name.
Since Ball State's football identity evolved into an offense-laden team with a propensity to score in bunches, the message Hoke has preached to his team has centered on unity.
It's difficult for anyone to link the success of an offense speckled with numerous all-MAC selections with a defense that doesn't exceed the middle of the league in most major statistical categories. Of the 13 teams in the conference, the Cardinals' defense ranked 10th in overall defense last season.
Yet, Ball State's defensive unit was vastly improved from its 2006 form, when the group looked more Hellen Keller than Hellen Hunt.
The Cardinals' 28.3 points allowed per game was fourth in the conference and good enough to aid a high-octane offense for seven wins. The defense also produced big plays throughout the season, tying for second in the league with 28 takeaways, including a conference-best 19 interceptions.
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