Michigan Wolverines vs. Central Michigan Chippewas Preview
When & Where: Saturday, September 13, 2025 • Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor – Noon ET
Why I Care
As a proud Central Michigan alum, I can’t help but circle this one on the calendar. The Chippewas have never beaten Michigan, and history says it’s an uphill climb. But nothing would be sweeter than walking out of the Big House with a win. These in-state directional-school matchups are about more than numbers — they’re about pride, recognition, and the hope of flipping the script on history. Even if the oddsmakers say it’s a long shot, one Saturday can change everything.
I saw it happen when CMU beat MSU, not just once, but twice in a row, during the. 1991 and ’92 seasons. They did it again in 2009. I was fortunate enough to win in ’91 as a guest of a friend who worked for the Port Huron Times Herald. The Chippewas beat MSU, not just once but twice in a row, during the 1991 and ’92 seasons. They did it again in 2009. I was fortunate to be on the field for the win in ’91, as a guest of a friend who worked for the Port Huron Times Herald
All-Time Series
Michigan and Central Michigan have met four times before, with Michigan winning all four. The last meeting came on August 31, 2013, when the Wolverines ran away with a 59–9 win in Ann Arbor. Across all four contests, Michigan has outscored CMU 285 to 33. That’s the reality the Chippewas face heading into this matchup.
Last Week’s Games
- Michigan Wolverines (1–1): Coming off a 24–13 loss to Oklahoma, Michigan’s offense sputtered. They gained only 288 total yards and were just 3-for-14 on third downs. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said after the Oklahoma game, “A lot of lessons to learn… execution was lacking on offense” (via MLive). Freshman QB Bryce Underwood has promise but also showed growing pains against a top opponent.
- Central Michigan Chippewas (1–1): CMU edged San Jose State 16–14 in Week 1 but fell 45–17 to Pittsburgh in Week 2. New coach Matt Drinkall has leaned on a three-QB rotation, giving Angel Flores snaps for his running ability. “A strong run game is critical… it’s going to be a foundational piece – offensive line, inside the box, that’s where you set the tone,” Drinkall explained (via CMU Athletics).
Betting Odds
- Spread: Michigan −27.5
- Over/Under: ~42.5 points
- Implied win probability: Michigan ~97–98%
The books see this as a blowout in the making. CMU’s best path to keeping it close is forcing turnovers and controlling the tempo with its run game. Michigan, meanwhile, just needs to clean up its execution.
Weather Forecast
- Conditions: Partly cloudy, mid-70s°F
- Impact: Ideal football weather — no excuses on either side.
Key Matchups
- Michigan’s Offensive Line vs. CMU’s Defensive Front
The Wolverines need to re-establish their dominance up front and protect Underwood. - CMU’s QB Rotation vs. Michigan’s Defense
Flores’ dual-threat ability could create wrinkles Michigan hasn’t seen yet. - Turnovers
CMU has to win the turnover battle to have any chance of hanging around.
Directional Rivalry Importance
Michigan vs. CMU is about more than a scoreboard. For CMU, it’s a chance to prove themselves against the biggest brand in the state. For Michigan, it’s a tune-up, but also a reminder of their place in Michigan’s football landscape.
Prediction
Michigan’s depth, size, and talent are too much for CMU on paper. I believe this will be a bounce-back game for Underwood, and look for a heavy dose of Justice Haynes. In all probability, the backups for UofM will be on the field mid-4th quarter. The Wolverines should cruise, but for the Chippewas, the challenge is to compete and show growth under Drinkall.
- Projected Final Score: Michigan 45, CMU 21
- Best Bet: CMU and the points (+27.5)
- Over/Under: Lean OVER
