Central Michigan at Buffalo - 2026 Matchup Preview
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Central Michigan Chippewas at Buffalo Bulls

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Wednesday, November 18th 2026 (12:00 PM EST)
UB Stadium - Amherst, NY  (Mid-American)

 
Chippewas (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Matt Drinkall (7 - 6)
Avg Score : 23 - 24 (19 - 28 on Road)
Record Prediction: 6.7 - 5.3 (#60)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 1) (Good: 0) (Avg: 0) (Bad: 10)
Our Line: Buffalo -0  (SP+ BUFF -1)
Projected Score: CMU: 24 - BUFF: 24 (47)
BUFF Win prob: 49% | Cover: 49%
CMU Travel: 304 miles
Bulls (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Pete Lembo (14 - 11)
Avg Score : 24 - 24 (25 - 24 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 6.5 - 5.5 (#65)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 1) (Good: 0) (Avg: 1) (Bad: 8)
 
Central Michigan's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5Central Michigan at New Mexico+10.5
Sat 9/12Central Michigan vs Colgate-16.5
Sat 9/19Central Michigan vs Wyoming-6.5
Sat 9/26Central Michigan at Miami+29.5
Sat 10/3Central Michigan vs Akron-8.5
Sat 10/10Central Michigan at Ohio+2
Sat 10/17Central Michigan vs Western Michigan+1
Sat 10/24Central Michigan vs Miami (OH)+3
— Bye Week —
Wed 11/4Central Michigan at Eastern Michigan-2.5
Wed 11/11Central Michigan vs Sacramento State-0.5
Wed 11/18Central Michigan at Buffalo+0
Sat 11/28Central Michigan at Ball State-13

Total: Elite: 1, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 4, Poor 6
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 1, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 4, Poor 6
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Central Michigan's Schedule
Buffalo's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Thu 9/3Buffalo vs UAlbany-14.5
Sat 9/12Buffalo at Florida International+4.5
Sat 9/19Buffalo at Penn State+25
Sat 9/26Buffalo vs Robert Morris-14.5
Sat 10/3Buffalo vs Western Michigan+3.5
Sat 10/10Buffalo at Toledo+15.5
Sat 10/17Buffalo vs Massachusetts-25.5
Sat 10/24Buffalo vs Bowling Green-4.5
— Bye Week —
Tue 11/3Buffalo at Miami (OH)+10.5
Wed 11/11Buffalo at Ball State-10.5
Wed 11/18Buffalo vs Central Michigan-0
Fri 11/27Buffalo at Akron-1.5

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

Predictions for Buffalo'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#71 (.17)41% (89)22.540% (102)2.79 (103)16544% (42)1673.6 (80)#36 (.1)40% (47)23.541% (56)39% (43)3.14 (26)48.71.21.6
BUFF#116 (.07)39% (109)2439% (108)2.68 (115)13339% (104)2293.5 (91)#49 (.12)39% (35)23.539% (27)40% (47)3.07 (21)45.71.81.3
 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
CMU0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
BUFF0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
CMU Offense1322.519.141.1%3.61.217332165167463%35%40%44%16%.17
BUFF Defense1223.524.139.1%3.071.3 - - - - - 55%43%39%40%15%.12
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
CMU Defense1323.52839.6%3.141.6 - - - - - 47%51%41%39%17%.1
BUFF Offense122424.638.8%3.51.8193621332293.945%53%39%39%16%.07

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 Michigan1332:0616.934%58%648.71.21.65.32.2229
Buffalo1228:0319.436%40%5.445.71.81.36.12.8129.5
Run Game Stats (2026)
 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% (102)41.4165.1417 (78).07 (91)2.79 (103)75% (47)12% (120)0.92 (84)
BUFF Defense1255% (124)39% (27) - - - - .05 (38)2.96 (79)66% (30)10% (52)0.89 (34)
 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% (40)41% (56) - - - - .04 (34)2.83 (55)62% (12)10% (62)0.9 (38)
BUFF Offense1245% (105)39% (108)34.4133.23.915 (70)-.03 (128)2.68 (115)69% (93)9% (65)0.88 (108)

Pass Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
CMU Offense1335% (130)44% (42)13.519.5167.18.612.316 (106)7 (3).4 (22)1.6 (40)32% (73)26% (117).31 (67)4% (15)2.1 (36)
BUFF Defense1243% (11)40% (47) - - - - - - 7 (123).23 (61)1.6 (98)32% (51)28% (36).17 (18)5% (95)1.7 (4)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
CMU Defense1351% (96)39% (43) - - - - - - 13 (12).19 (46)1.5 (63)32% (61)27% (32).26 (55)7% (22)2 (73)
BUFF Offense1253% (31)39% (104)19.634.32296.711.719 (75)14 (34).19 (103)1.5 (101)34% (112)27% (108).28 (76)7% (104)2 (76)

Central Michigan's Power Ratings
Central Michigan's Power Rating: -4.92  #97
Central Michigan's Offense Rating: 15.08  #74
Central Michigan's Defense Rating: 20.00  #114
2026 Talent Rating: 464.00  #108
Blue Chip Ratio: 0%  #104
Central Michigan's 2026 Expected Record: 6.7 - 5.3
Central Michigan's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -8.8  #101
Central Michigan's Offense SP+ Rating: 17.6  #120
Central Michigan's Defense SP+ Rating: 25.7  #65

Average Talent
Average Mid-American Talent Rating is 467.85
Average Power Five Talent: 871.03
Average FBS Talent: 676.61

Power Ratings Matchup
Central Michigan: -4.92   Buffalo: -6.64

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Central Michigan: -8.8   Buffalo: -7.5




Buffalo's Power Ratings
Buffalo's Power Rating: -6.64  #117
Buffalo's Offense Rating: 7.55  #124
Buffalo's Defense Rating: 18.34  #104
2026 Talent Rating: 495.00  #100
Blue Chip Ratio: 0  #104
Buffalo's 2026 Expected Record: 6.5 - 5.5
Buffalo's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -7.5  #97
Buffalo's Offense SP+ Rating: 18.2  #118
Buffalo's Defense SP+ Rating: 27.4  #70

Average Talent
Average Mid-American Talent Rating is 467.85
Average Power Five Talent: 871.03
Average FBS Talent: 676.61


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

Central Michigan's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
Central Michigan 24
Buffalo 24


Projected Total Points: 47
Buffalo Scoring
Offense: 24 PPG
Offense at Home: 24.6
Defense: 23.5 PPG
Defense at Home: 24.1

Buffalo's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
202511/12Central Michigan38Buffalo19Central Michigan -2.5Central Michigan44.5Over
202310/07Buffalo37Central Michigan13Central Michigan -2.5Buffalo51.5Under
202211/09Central Michigan31Buffalo27Central Michigan -3Central Michigan54.0Over
201910/26Buffalo43Central Michigan20Buffalo -1.5Buffalo46.5Over
201810/06Central Michigan24Buffalo34Buffalo -6.5Buffalo52.0Over
201510/17Central Michigan51Buffalo14Central Michigan -7Central Michigan55.5Over
201410/25Buffalo14Central Michigan20Central Michigan -1.5Central Michigan0
200910/03Buffalo13Central Michigan20
200809/27Central Michigan27Buffalo25
200611/24Buffalo28Central Michigan55
200411/13Buffalo36Central Michigan6
200109/29Buffalo8Central Michigan16
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Buffalo435 Overs
Central Michigan841 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams7 - 55 - 24 - 01 - 2
Road Teams5 - 72 - 52 - 10 - 4

(#97) CMU at (#117) BUFF
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatCMUBUFF
Game ControlGC #91 #101
Momentum ControlMC #123 #55
Net PPPPPPNRNR
Power RatePwr #97 #117
SP+SP+ #101 #97
Perf GradeGradeNRNR
OffenseOffNRNR
DefenseDefNRNR
Spec TeamsSTNRNR
TalentTal #108 #100
Blue ChipsBC% #104 #104
Central Michigan Notes
(3/4) Vibes: Strong, Off could be really good, Def is ?
(3/4) QB Flores (PT LY) can scoot, but didn't throw much
(3/4) RB good unit, Townsend back, 2 prod portals
(3/4) WRs Lewis & McIntosh decent duo, have depth
(3/4) OL has more prod than 1/2 MAC combined. Wow
(3/4) F7 is ?, DL only 3 with exp, LB only has 2.
(3/4) DB best Def unit by far, CB really good, S has 1
Central Michigan Injury Report
Buffalo Notes
(3/4) Vibes: Lembo won 9 in '24, but regressed LY
(3/4) QB Holmes (D II) 3K yds, 24 TD, 240 rushing
(3/4) RB Shelton (#2 LY) some exp, Enlow (Fr) ready?
(3/4) WR Gathings (#2 LY) good, some exp, big guys
(3/4) OL is ?, 2 starters, 1 PT and 4 portal adds
(3/4) F7 lost most from good Def LY, only 6 portals
(3/4) DL is light on exp, size, talent. LB a little better
(3/4) CB looks really strong, Greer a good S. Good unit
Buffalo Injury Report
Central Michigan on Offense
Very Run heavy Offense 64%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCat
CMU OffBUFF Def
Game ControlGC #116 #91
Momentum ControlMC #134 #23
PPPOffPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #89 #35
ExplosiveExp #109 #56
PPAPPA #71 #49
PowerPwr #74 #104
SP+SP+ #120 #70
Pts POPPO #80 #21
HavocHav #70 #75
Central Michigan Run Game
Very Run heavy Offense 64%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCat
CMU OffBUFF Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #102 #27
Run ExplRExp #84 #34
PPAExp #91 #38
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #103 #79
Stuff RateStuff #80 #94
TackleTak - NR
Central Michigan Pass Game
Very Run heavy Offense 64%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCat
CMU OffBUFF Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #42 #47
Pass ExplPExl #40 #98
PPAExp #22 #61
Pass Rush/BlockP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #120 #52
DB HavocDB #15 #95
Buffalo on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 53%, Run: 45%
CategoryCatBUFF OffCMU Def
Game ControlGC #106 #53
Momentum ControlMC #98 #113
PPPDefPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #109 #47
ExplosiveExp #104 #55
PPAPPA #116 #36
PowerPwr #124 #114
SP+SP+ #118 #65
Pts POPPO #91 #26
HavocHav #87 #42
Buffalo Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 53%, Run: 45%
CategoryCat
BUFF OffCMU Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #108 #56
Run ExplRExp #108 #38
PPAExp #128 #34
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #115 #55
Stuff RateStuff #68 #28
TackleTak - NR
Buffalo Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 53%, Run: 45%
CategoryCatBUFF OffCMU Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #104 #43
Pass ExplPExl #101 #63
PPAExp #103 #46
Pass Block/RushP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #65 #62
DB HavocDB #104 #22
Program Comparison
BUFF 5 Year Profile: Consistent Average G5
'26 Profile: Remains Average G5

CMU 5 Year Profile: Consistent Below Avg G5
'26 Profile: Remains Below Avg G5

Weather Forecast
Playing in UB Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°
Previous Matchups
Central Michigan beat Buffalo last year (38-19)
Buffalo beat Central Michigan in 2023 (37-13)

  
CMU's OC Jim Chapin (in his second season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Angel H Flores192868%195217.0
Jadyn Glasser7978%78008.7
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Jayden Clerveaux (Tr)16176254.767
Angel H Flores10752784.937
Brock Townsend8241845.146
Vaughn Blue (Tr)4723425.022
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Langston Lewis43596313.977
Tommy Mcintosh31422313.647
Jaden Allen (Tr)1918719.831
Brock Townsend13145411.251

View Central Michigan's Full Roster

CMU's DC Sean Cronin (in his second season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jaion Jackson454227
Korver Demma289451
Xavier White261000
JJ Douglas232221
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Korver Demma289451
Jaion Jackson454227
JJ Douglas232221
Landon Swanson61110
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jaion Jackson454227
Daniel Bennett100012
JJ Douglas232221

BUFF's OC Tony Tokarz (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Terrance Shelton Jr.5724414.320
James McNeil Jr.126725.626
Jason Wright144503.29
Messiah Burch114103.714
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Jasaiah Gathings36410311.439
Trevor Wilson (Tr)2219318.830
Chance Morrow8129216.126
Patrick Clacks III127125.911

View Buffalo's Full Roster

BUFF's DC Joe Bowen (been DC for 3 years)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Miles Greer743313
Saveon Brown527224
Keontez Bradley280004
Kobi Blackwell200007
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Miles Greer743313
Saveon Brown527224
Cornell Evans142111
Messiah Burch10000
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Kobi Blackwell200007
Keontez Bradley280004
Saveon Brown527224