Football Notebook: Multiple injuries still in play, former coaches meet, last Saturday game of season
Football Head Coach John Bonamego talks to reporters after football practice on Oct. 18 at Kelly Shorts Stadium.
After losing on homecoming 30-10 against Toledo this past Saturday, the Central Michigan football team will head back on the road to take on Ball State in its homecoming game.
Before the Chippewas (3-4, 1-2 Mid-American Conference) take the field against the Cardinals (2-4, 0-2), here is a look at what has been talked about in practice this week.
Injury Update
Head coach John Bonamego said that junior tight end Logan Hessbrook, cornerback Amari Coleman and junior punter Jack Sheldon are all still day-to-day and questionable for Saturday’s game.
Hessbrook, however, is doubtful this week, according to Bonamego.
Bonamego also commented on senior running back Devon Spalding’s injury and said that he “is still out for now."
Senior wide receiver Corey Willis also made his first catch since his wrist injury he sustained against Kansas in week two and Bonamego is “satisfied” with his progress to this point.
“I think he’s giving us everything he is able to give us to this point,” Bonamego said. “Everyday he gets better and more comfortable. I think we’ve been smart with how we’ve handled him and will give him more as he progresses.”
Ball State will also be fighting multiple injuries at their skill positions including junior quarterback Riley Neal who is questionable to play this week due to a leg injury.
“He’s been their starter the past couple of seasons and we are still preparing like he is going to play,” Bonamego said. “We’re expecting a hard fought game either way.”
Former coaches meet
Mike Neu is in his second campaign as the BSU head coach. He and Bonamego are both former assistant coaches from the same New Orleans Saints staff.
Bonamego said that he believes Neu has done a good job with the time he’s had at Ball State, but its hard to judge a job within just two years of being with the program.
“(Neu) has had a couple recruiting classes to work with now and I believe he’s put together a good staff,” Bonamego said. “I think all of the coaches in our league are pretty darn good.”
Final Saturday
For the last time this season, the Central Michigan will take the field for a Saturday contest.
Bonamego called himself a “traditionalist” and said he would prefer to play on Saturdays, and believes television is the reason for week night games.
“I think the exposure is good for our league, if you turn on the T.V. on Wednesday or Thursday night, we might be the only game on,” Bonamego said. “Where it does hurt you is attendance, students have to get up for class the next day and season ticket holders live out of town.
“I don’t know what the dollar figure is but it is a little bit of give-and-take.”
Staying consistent
While being aware of this weeks injuries, senior defensive back Josh Cox said they are preparing for this team the same as they would for anyone else.
“We are trying to pick up on more tendencies on the quarterback and running back that might play this week,” Cox said. “I’m saying it’s an advantage they are not playing even though it benefits us, we just plan to take it play-by-play and hold them to nothing.”
Last week, Toledo racked up 342 rushing yards against the CMU defense. To correct that, Cox said they can control most of it after watching film and running certain stunts as a unit.
“There is always going to be big plays, we just have to limit them,” Cox said.
