Talmadge Hill entered the pressroom with a straight face. Hiscleats caked with mud and his undershirt stained brown extendingfrom his biceps to his wrists. The quarterback began fieldingquestions from reporters, and with each answer his mouth spreadinto a large smile.
He had three reasons to smile.
The football team dominated Toledo, 38-14. His 307 passing yardswere a career-best, and with three touchdowns passing on Saturdayadded to his career total, his 44 touchdown passes are the most inschool history. Mike Neu's 43 TDs from 1990-93 was the previousbest. Also, Hill had thrown for 303 yards against Central Michiganin 2001.
Early in the game Hill was able to get big gains off runningplays. He said those plays opened up passing opportunities later inthe game.
"If I don't run the next time, and we're actually passing theball they got an eye on me at the same time so that gives (thereceivers) a chance to get open," he said.
Hill said the key to the Cardinals' attack was to keep thedefense off balance.
"When we're able to run the ball and pass the ball that's whenwe're at our best," he said. "When we're able to do both things andnot be so one-dimensional."
Toledo head coach Tom Amstutz said Hill's accuracy and executionthat led to 22 completions in 27 attempts was too much for theRockets.
"Today was his day, and today was Ball State's day," he said."He executed and got it done."
One of the keys to the victory was the Cardinals' ability toconvert on third down. Entering the game, Ball State had a 32percent conversion rate on third downs. The team was 12 of 15 inthird-down situations Saturday.
"That was great play-calling, great execution, great passprotection from the offensive line," Hill said. "I had a lot oftime today. When all of that works together and we're able to keepteams off balance we're a pretty good offense."
Head coach Brady Hoke said everything started up front with theoffensive line, and the protection the line offered allowed Hill tohave time to make accurate decisions.
"If things go good (the quarterback) gets the credit, but itstarts up front (with the offensive line)." he said.
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