Central Michigan at Northwestern - 2025 Matchup Preview
Central Michigan logo Central Michigan Chippewas vs Northwestern WildcatsNorthwestern logo
Friday, December 26th 2025 (1:00 PM EST)
Northwestern -13.5 (43.5) (0)  Open: 0.0
Northwestern 34 - Central Michigan: 7  (GameAbove Sports Bowl)

 
Chippewas (7 - 6) (8 - 5 - 0)
Coach Matt Drinkall (0 - 0)
Avg Score : 23 - 24 (19 - 28 on Road)
Record Prediction: 7.3 - 5.7 (#66)
Wins: (Elite: 0) (Good: 0) (Avg: 0) (Bad: 6)
Losses: (Elite: 1) (Good: 2) (Avg: 0) (Bad: 2)
Future: (Elite: 0) (Good: 0) (Avg: 1) (Bad: 0)
Game in Dome
Bowl Game Opt Outs
Our Line: Northwestern -7  (SP+ NW -8)

Projected Score: CMU: 17 - NW: 24 (42)
NW Win prob: 84% | Cover: 56%
CMU Travel: 181 miles, 1 hrs ahead
Wildcats (7 - 6) (8 - 4 - 1)
Coach David Braun (12 - 13)
Avg Score : 23 - 20 (27 - 12 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 6.7 - 6.3 (#71)
Wins: (Elite: 1) (Good: 0) (Avg: 0) (Bad: 4)
Losses: (Elite: 3) (Good: 1) (Avg: 2) (Bad: 0)
Future: (Elite: 0) (Good: 0) (Avg: 0) (Bad: 1)
 
Central Michigan's 2025 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Fri 8/29 Central Michigan at San José State+11.550.5W 16 - 14UY
Sat 9/6 Central Michigan at Pittsburgh+21.548.5L 17 - 45ON
Sat 9/13 Central Michigan at Michigan+27.542.5L 3 - 63ON
Sat 9/20 Central Michigan vs Wagner-29.047.0W 49 - 10OY
Sat 9/27 Central Michigan vs Eastern Michigan-3.055.5W 24 - 13UY
Sat 10/4 Central Michigan at Akron-7.047.5L 22 - 28ON
BYE WEEK
Sat 10/18 Central Michigan at Bowling Green+3.043.5W 27 - 6UY
Sat 10/25 Central Michigan vs Massachusetts-16.546.5W 38 - 13OY
Sat 11/1 Central Michigan at Western Michigan+6.043.5L 21 - 24OY
BYE WEEK
Wed 11/12 Central Michigan vs Buffalo-2.544.5W 38 - 19OY
Wed 11/19 Central Michigan at Kent State-7.550.5W 28 - 16UY
Sat 11/29 Central Michigan vs Toledo+11.546.5L 3 - 21UN
Fri 12/26 Central Michigan vs Northwestern+13.543.5L 7 - 34UN

Total: Elite: 1, Good: 2, Avg 1, Bad 1, Poor 7
Played: Elite: 1, Good: 2, Avg 0, Bad 1, Poor 7
Future: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 1, Bad 0, Poor 0
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 6
Losses: Elite: 1, Good: 2, Avg: 0, Bad: 1, Poor: 1

Predictions for Central Michigan's Schedule
Northwestern's 2025 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 8/30 Northwestern at Tulane+6.547.5L 3 - 23UN
Fri 9/5 Northwestern vs Western Illinois-30.548.5W 42 - 7OY
Sat 9/13 Northwestern vs Oregon+25.550.5L 14 - 34UY
BYE WEEK
Sat 9/27 Northwestern vs UCLA-6.045.5W 17 - 14UN
Sat 10/4 Northwestern vs UL Monroe-12.543.5W 42 - 7OY
Sat 10/11 Northwestern at Penn State+20.546.5W 22 - 21UY
Sat 10/18 Northwestern vs Purdue-3.047.5W 19 - 0UY
Sat 10/25 Northwestern at Nebraska+7.544.5L 21 - 28OY
BYE WEEK
Fri 11/7 Northwestern at USC+14.554.5L 17 - 38ON
Sat 11/15 Northwestern vs Michigan+10.041.5L 22 - 24OY
Sat 11/22 Northwestern vs Minnesota-4.041.0W 38 - 35ON
Sat 11/29 Northwestern at Illinois+7.044.5L 13 - 20UY
Fri 12/26 Northwestern vs Central Michigan-13.543.5W 34 - 7UY

Total: Elite: 4, Good: 1, Avg 2, Bad 2, Poor 3
Played: Elite: 4, Good: 1, Avg 2, Bad 2, Poor 2
Future: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 1
Wins: Elite: 1, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 2, Poor: 2
Losses: Elite: 3, Good: 1, Avg: 2, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Northwestern's Schedule
Important Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
CMU#70 (.17)41% (89)22.540% (103)2.79 (102)15844% (41)1533.6 (79)#38 (.1)40% (45)23.541% (56)39% (43)3.14 (27)45.20.91.5
NW#83 (.15)43% (59)23.446% (48)2.97 (65)15542% (68)1683.21 (114)#73 (.17)45% (117)19.847% (121)44% (100)3.37 (43)32.31.51.2
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
CMU#96 (.15)39% (115)42% (88)3.2 (41)16934% (124)1633.82 (80)#96 (.21)40% (44)41% (48)39% (50)3.6 (45)60.920.4
NW#129 (.02)37% (123)39% (113)2.63 (124)9936% (116)1863.02 (127)#57 (.15)45% (106)44% (80)46% (117)3.74 (64)38.81.51.3



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
CMU Offense1322.519.141.1%3.60.9163111581534.163%35%40%44%16%.17
NW Defense1319.812.445.3%3.371.2 - - - - - 52%46%47%44%15%.17
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
CMU Defense1323.52839.5%3.141.5 - - - - - 47%51%41%39%17%.1
NW Offense1323.426.843.1%3.211.5183231551684.851%47%46%42%17%.15

Additional Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
Central Michigan1329:3515.835%60%5.645.20.91.54.92.2229
Northwestern1330:1218.344%63%4.132.31.51.23.61.4028.5
Run Game Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
CMU Offense1363% (7)40% (103)38.8158.14.117 (78).07 (87)2.79 (102)75% (49)12% (121)0.92 (85)
NW Defense1352% (93)47% (121) - - - - .18 (109)3.16 (113)71% (62)9% (94)0.99 (86)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
CMU Defense1347% (39)41% (56) - - - - .04 (32)2.83 (57)62% (12)10% (61)0.9 (38)
NW Offense1351% (59)46% (48)32.51554.815 (99).14 (57)2.97 (65)76% (41)8% (34)0.91 (91)

Pass Game Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
CMU Offense1335% (130)44% (41)11.917.5153.48.812.915 (106)6 (3).4 (23)1.6 (40)32% (73)26% (115).31 (69)4% (16)2.1 (35)
NW Defense1346% (37)44% (100) - - - - - - 8 (75).24 (62)1.4 (7)28% (121)34% (120).32 (82)6% (64)1.8 (19)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
CMU Defense1351% (97)39% (43) - - - - - - 12 (12).19 (44)1.5 (64)32% (59)27% (33).25 (55)7% (24)2 (74)
NW Offense1347% (81)42% (68)15.726.4167.86.410.714 (75)12 (108).21 (88)1.5 (96)30% (49)33% (37).31 (68)9% (131)1.8 (128)

Central Michigan's Power Ratings
Central Michigan's Power Rating: -5.43  #89
Central Michigan's Offense Rating: 4.11  #100
Central Michigan's Defense Rating: 9.54  #78
2025 Talent Rating: 514.00  #116
Blue Chip Ratio: 0%  #101
Central Michigan's 2025 Expected Record: 7.3 - 5.7
Central Michigan's 2025 Overall SP+ Rating: -5.9  #92
Central Michigan's Offense SP+ Rating: 19.5  #115
Central Michigan's Defense SP+ Rating: 25.2  #57

Average Talent
Average Mid-American Talent Rating is 567.54
Average Power Five Talent: 877.82
Average FBS Talent: 715.76

Power Ratings Matchup
Central Michigan: -5.43   Northwestern: 1.49

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Central Michigan: -5.9   Northwestern: 1.8




Northwestern's Power Ratings
Northwestern's Power Rating: 1.49  #66
Northwestern's Offense Rating: 8.13  #73
Northwestern's Defense Rating: 6.95  #60
2025 Talent Rating: 840.00  #41
Blue Chip Ratio: 3  #65
Northwestern's 2025 Expected Record: 6.7 - 6.3
Northwestern's 2025 Overall SP+ Rating: 1.8  #63
Northwestern's Offense SP+ Rating: 23.4  #97
Northwestern's Defense SP+ Rating: 22.3  #39

Average Talent
Average Big Ten Talent Rating is 906.67
Average Power Five Talent: 877.82
Average FBS Talent: 715.76


Central Michigan Scoring
Offense: 22.5 PPG
Offense on Road: 19.1
Defense: 23.5 PPG
Defense on Road: 28

Central Michigan's 2025 Record
Record: 7 - 6
Record vs Spread: 8 - 5 - 0
Over/Under Record: 7 - 6
Record on Road: 3 - 4
Record vs Spread on Road: 4 - 3 - 0
Record as Dog vs Spread: 3 - 4 - 0
Record as Road Dog vs Spread: 3 - 2 - 0
Projected Score
Northwestern 24
Central Michigan 17


Total Points: 42

Based on Last 4 Games
Central Michigan 19
Northwestern 16

Total Points: 35

Based on Entire Season
Northwestern 26
Central Michigan 18

Total Points: 44
Northwestern Scoring
Offense: 23.4 PPG
Offense at Home: 26.8
Defense: 19.8 PPG
Defense at Home: 12.4

Northwestern's 2025 Record
Record: 7 - 6
Record vs Spread: 8 - 4 - 1
Over/Under Record: 6 - 7
Record at home: 4 - 1
Record vs Spread at home: 4 - 1 - 0
Record as Fav vs Spread: 4 - 2 - 0
Record as Home Fav vs Spread: 3 - 1 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
202512/26Northwestern34Central Michigan7Northwestern -13.5Northwestern43.5Under
201009/25Northwestern30Central Michigan25
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Northwestern210 Overs
Central Michigan001 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams2 - 01 - 01 - 00 - 0
Road Teams0 - 20 - 10 - 00 - 1

Central Michigan Recent Bowl History
DateBowlMatchupSpreadTotalResult
2025Sports Bowl Central Michigan vs Northwestern+13.543.5L 7 - 34
2021Sun Bowl Central Michigan vs Washington State+5.556.0W 24 - 21
2019Mexico Bowl Central Michigan vs San Diego State+4.040.0L 11 - 48
Northwestern Recent Bowl History
DateBowlMatchupSpreadTotalResult
2025Sports Bowl Northwestern vs Central Michigan-13.543.5W 34 - 7
2023Vegas Bowl Northwestern vs Utah+6.544.5W 14 - 7
2020Citrus Bowl Northwestern vs Auburn-3.543.5W 35 - 19
  
(#89) CMU at (#66) NW
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatCMUNW
Power RatePwr #89 #66
SP+SP+ #92 #63
Perf GradeGrade #78 #51
OffenseOff #75 #35
DefenseDef #70 #86
Spec TeamsST #117 #108
TalentTal #116 #41
Blue ChipsBC% #101 #65
Central Michigan Notes
(10/31) QB1 Labas meh but QB2 Flores incredible runner
(10/31) 5-1 outside of paycheck games but lost @ Akron
(8/30) Ground & Pound offense, good vs SJSU 200+
(8/25) QB1 - Joe Labas starting, inj after 6 starts LY
(7/28) Is Drinkall running Army offense?
(6/12) Skill positions very weak on paper. Risers?
(3/26) QB Labas PT starter LY, Glasser has exp
(3/26) RB rebuild, Cornist (Tul) added, some depth
(3/26) WR complete rebuild, 13 rec back. No portals
(3/26) OL 3/5 back, meh LY. 4 portals, 3 via Valpo
(3/26) Def bad LY, return some. 3 portals
(3/26) New HC Drinkall was Army OL coach.
Central Michigan Injury Report
Northwestern Notes
(11/22) Braun gets NW back to bowl. Great job & rebound
(11/16) Lost 3 straight but competitive in most. Improving
(10/19) Have now won 4 straight, 3 in B1G play. Improving
(10/19) Def shut out Purdue, Run Off great, Run Def good
(10/19) QB Stone has been JAG- though, must game control
(9/14) Good fight w/ Ducks but Off has zero expl
(9/9) Top RB Cam Porter out for the season, ouch
(8/30) Stone 4 Int vs Tulane, Run Off & Run Def awful
(7/23) QB is Stone (SMU), no depth, Lausch retired
(5/21) Can WR Wilde (FCS SDSU) bring hope?
(5/21) DL is light, but has exp and some pass rush
(5/21) CBs exp'd but avg, Safeties are good though
Northwestern Injury Report
Central Michigan on Offense
Very Run heavy Offense 64%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCat
CMU OffNW Def
Perf GradePerf #75 #86
SuccessSuc #89 #117
ExplosiveExp #110 #12
PPAPPA #70 #73
PowerPwr #100 #60
SP+SP+ #115 #39
Pts POPPO #79 #43
HavocHav #71 #82
Central Michigan Run Game
Very Run heavy Offense 64%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCat
CMU OffNW Def
Run GameRun #66 #91
Run SuccessRSuc #103 #121
Run ExplRExp #85 #86
PPAExp #87 #109
Run BlockR Blk #87 -
OL YdsOLY #102 #113
Stuff RateStuff #81 #118
TackleTak -  #99
Central Michigan Pass Game
Very Run heavy Offense 64%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCat
CMU OffNW Def
Pass GamePass #59 #88
Pass SuccessPSuc #41 #100
Pass ExplPExl #40 #7
PPAExp #23 #62
Pass Rush/BlockP Blk #134 #55
F7 HavocF7 #121 #94
DB HavocDB #16 #64
Northwestern on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 47%, Run: 51%
CategoryCatNW OffCMU Def
Perf GradePerf #35 #70
SuccessSuc #59 #45
ExplosiveExp #109 #55
PPAPPA #83 #38
PowerPwr #73 #78
SP+SP+ #97 #57
Pts POPPO #114 #27
HavocHav #95 #45
Northwestern Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 47%, Run: 51%
CategoryCat
NW OffCMU Def
Run GameRun #46 #117
Run SuccessRSuc #48 #56
Run ExplRExp #91 #38
PPAExp #57 #32
Run BlockR Blk #20 -
OL YdsOLY #65 #57
Stuff RateStuff #49 #29
TackleTak -  #36
Northwestern Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 47%, Run: 51%
CategoryCatNW OffCMU Def
Pass GamePass #82 #43
Pass SuccessPSuc #68 #43
Pass ExplPExl #96 #64
PPAExp #88 #44
Pass Block/RushP Blk #7 #21
F7 HavocF7 #34 #61
DB HavocDB #131 #24
Program Comparison
NW 5 Year Profile: Improving Average G5
'25 Profile: Up to Top G5

CMU 5 Year Profile: Improving Below Avg G5
'25 Profile: Up to Average G5

Weather Forecast
Playing in Ford Field
Conditions: Fog
Temp: 32°
Rematch from Week 1
Northwestern -13.5 (43.5)
Northwestern won vs Central Michigan this year (34-7)

No Matchups Past 4 Years
  
CMU's OC Jim Chapin (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Joey Labas14720871%18541368.9
Angel H Flores192868%195217.0
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Nahree Biggins10554025.158
Angel H Flores10752784.937
Trey Cornist (Tr)10446914.529
Brock Townsend8241845.146
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Langston Lewis43596313.977
Tommy Mcintosh31422313.647
Tyson Davis25323212.936
Nahree Biggins1918519.788

View Central Michigan's Full Roster

CMU's DC Sean Cronin (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jordan Kwiatkowski11214324
Dakota Cochran816153
Caleb Spann541004
Kalen Carroll (Tr)492014
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Michael Heldman48171284
Korver Demma289451
Jordan Kwiatkowski11214324
Jaion Jackson454227
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Brenden Deasfernandes250008
Jaion Jackson454227
Jordan Kwiatkowski11214324

NW's OC Zach Lujan (in his second season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Preston Stone (Tr)22237060%240017126.5
Ryan Boe2729%17012.4
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Caleb Komolafe190941115.056
Joseph Himon II9948614.937
Dashun Reeder22222110.179
Robby Preckel4214903.514
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Griffin Wilde (Tr)71880812.449
Hayden Eligon Ii37521314.138
Hunter Welcing28296210.636
Ricky Ahumaraeze10200020.035

View Northwestern's Full Roster

NW's DC Tim McGarigle (in his second season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Robert Fitzgerald1066014
Mac Uihlein894000
Braydon Brus815344
Braden Turner522012
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Aidan Hubbard2610850
Michael Kilbane428481
Anto Saka134320
Carmine Bastone244341
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Josh Fussell291009
Fred Davis II (Tr)221006
Ore Adeyi201005