If you had told Central Michigan Chippewas fans in 2015 when John Bonamego was beginning his tenure in Mount Pleasant that the first two seasons would compile a .500 record and two bowl appearances, I have to believe that most would have taken that on the spot. As 2017 opens, though, a new thing exists in Mount Pleasant: expectations.
Bonamego and company now find themselves unable to play the underdog card, and not just in Thursday’s season-opener against FCS opponent Rhode Island. The expectations surrounding “Coach Bono” and the Chips range far beyond an opening game victory against an outgunned FCS squad.