Central Michigan vs. Northwestern Prediction: GameAbove Sports Bowl Preview
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Central Michigan and Northwestern have only met once before, but that will change when they share the field in the GameAbove Sports Bowl on Friday at Ford Field.
The Chippewas enjoyed a resurgent season in their first under coach Matt Drinkall, largely due to a dominant defense. Central Michigan (7-5) is making its first appearance in a bowl game since 2021. The Wildcats (6-6) backed their way into bowl eligibility following a 5-2 start. Northwestern avoided total collapse by beating Minnesota in Week 13 to return to a bowl game for the first time since 2023, coach David Braun’s first year in Evanston.
The 2024 GameAbove Sports Bowl was one to remember, as Toledo outlasted Pitt in six overtimes. Central Michigan and Northwestern aren’t expected to engage in a similar shootout. This is the Chippewas’ second appearance in this bowl, where they are looking for their first win. The Wildcats won the only previous matchup between these teams back in 2010.
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GameAbove Sports Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Northwestern Odds, Details
Location: Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
Kickoff: Friday, Dec. 26 at 1 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Spread: Northwestern -10.5
Over/Under: 43.5
Announcers: Matt Schumacker, Dustin Fox
Central Michigan vs. Northwestern: Keys to Victory
Why Central Michigan Will Win
The Chippewas run the ball at one of the highest rates in the FBS. It’s not the most efficient attack by any means, but the committee of Nahree Biggins, backup quarterback Angel Flores, Trey Cornist and Brock Townsend gradually wear opponents down. Starting signal-caller Joe Labas is a low-volume passer, though his number of attempts has risen in recent weeks with Flores sidelined. The return of CMU’s top red zone weapon should see Labas throw less often, which is more in line with the team’s approach of dominating time of possession. Wide receiver Langston Lewis is the top target to watch in the passing game, and he’s come on strong in the second half of the season.
Drinkall’s group makes its hay on defense, led by linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski and defensive lineman Michael Heldman, two All-MAC first-team selections. Together, they’re the Chippewas’ most disruptive players with 13 1/2 sacks and five forced fumbles combined. Central Michigan held seven opponents under 20 points this season, but its season average is inflated by early nonconference blowouts. The Chippewas have 20 takeaways on the year, and they’re up against a turnover-prone quarterback.
Why Northwestern Will Win
Preston Stone became the first Wildcats quarterback to throw for 2,000 yards in a season since 2018, which is not a particularly high bar but is an upgrade nonetheless. Stone showcased his ceiling in the win over Minnesota. He threw for 305 yards and two scores — notably with no interceptions — and led the winning drive after the Golden Gophers tied the game. If Stone, who has 12 interceptions this season, can limit the turnovers, then Northwestern should be in a good place offensively. Beyond the passing game, running back Caleb Komolafe has come on strong late in the year. Though he missed the regular-season finale, he’s expected to be available for the bowl.
The Wildcats’ defense ranked in the upper echelon of the Big Ten by allowing just over 20 points per game. That includes a shutout against Purdue and slip-ups against Oregon and USC. Luckily for Northwestern, CMU’s offense is not as dangerous as the Ducks or Trojans. The Wildcats’ run defense could be an issue in this matchup, but their pass defense can neutralize Labas and allow them to key in on the multi-faceted ground game.
GameAbove Sports Bowl Prediction: Northwestern 27, Central Michigan 16
The Chippewas’ performance against Power 4 opponents — they were outscored 108-20 by Pittsburgh and Michigan — is not promising for their outlook against the Wildcats. Northwestern is not at full strength, but Stone should still be able to move the ball on CMU’s stingy defense, especially with Komolafe back. And the Chippewas will be hard-pressed to crack 20 points in this matchup.
ATS: Northwestern -10.5
O/U: Under 43.5
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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