Friday Top 5: The best soundbites from Central Michigan football players and coaches this season
Central Michigan University football Head Coach John Bonamego speaks with reporters during Mid-American Conference Football Media Day at Ford Field in Detroit on Wednesday. (Photo by Sydney Smith)
The first five games of the Central Michigan football season has been filled with quotable statements.
Here are the top five comments made by CMU football players and coaches this season.
1. Bonamego's gameday attire advice
Head Coach John Bonamego stirred a big reaction out of CMU football fans days before the Chippewas traveled to East Lansing to take on Michigan State.
"If you're not wearing your maroon and gold, you're really not with us," Bonamego said. "That goes for everyone on campus, too. It kind of irks me. I haven't seen it that much but I've heard about it. We are Central Michigan. If I was working at Michigan State or Michigan I would feel the same way. I just feel like you should be loyal to your school."
Bonamego's comments must have struck a nerve, because there was plenty of maroon and gold in the crowd in Spartan Stadium on gameday.
2. Stanitzek apologies for illegal hit
CMU sophomore defensive lineman Mitch Stanitzek was ejected for an illegal head-to-head hit on SU starting quarterback Eric Dungey as the Chippewas dropped an overtime thriller to the Orange.
During practice the following week, Stanitzek said he was sorry for a hit that "happened so fast."
"I'd like to apologize to him. It was never my intention to go head-to-head with him," he said. "It was a quick play and I wasn't able to react. It's unfortunate he received a concussion. It's part of the game. No one ever wants to see that happen anywhere."
Immediately following his ejection in the first half, Stanitzek received death threats from some Syracuse football fans, which he said he ignored.
3. Shafer Johnson tells it like it is
CMU dominated Monmouth during its first victory of the season. The closest Monmouth came to scoring during the first half was on a trick play flee-flicker during their second drive of the game, but quarterback Cody Williams’ pass fell incomplete.
"I think we lucked out that it was a bad throw,” Johnson, a senior defenisve lineman chuckled after the game. “He was open.”
It was a close call for the top defense in the MAC last season.
4. Chippewas get ultra focused for WMU game
Ahead of their Week 6 matchup with rival Western Michigan, CMU's senior leaders have kept the rally cry consistent.
"It's definitely more intense. All the alums. They are taking it to a new level this week. As players, we've gotta stay on an even (keel) during the game. We know it's going to be a lot of emotions in our head."
The Chippewas and Broncos face off at noon on Saturday at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo.
5. Upset-minded Chippewas head to East Lansing
Before CMU lost to Michigan State 30-10, several Chippewas shared what a win over MSU would mean to them.
It would mean the world to us. To beat Michigan State this year would be something I would be telling my grandchildren about.”
The Chippewas played MSU tough, be eventually were outlasted by the superior Power Five member Spartans.
