Since the 2018 football season started with the first day of fall practice on Aug. 3, John Bonamego often hesitated and showed signs of uncertainty when meeting with the media.
It wasn't until a 31-20 loss to No. 21 Michigan State on Sept. 29 in East Lansing that Central Michigan's coach made a more substantial evaluation than before.
"We will be a very good football team down the stretch," Bonamego said.
From the start of fall camp to right before the game on Saturday, Bonamego spoke on the youth, inexperience, growing pains and early struggles of his players, but he never evaluated his Chippewas as a "very good football team.