Michigan vs. Central Michigan 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

It’s the Michigan Wolverines vs. the Central Michigan Chippewas in a 2025 Week 3 matchup with predictions heavily favoring the home team. And while the two programs have the same record (1-1), there is undoubtedly a significant talent gap in favor of Michigan. The Wolverines are looking to bounce back from a demoralizing loss to the Oklahoma Sooners, where they struggled on both sides of the ball in areas they had typically been strong in the past.

Michigan Wolverines vs. Central Michigan Chippewas: Matchup History and Excerpts

The Wolverines hold a 4-0 all-time record versus Central Michigan, with their most recent win coming in 2013. Michigan is currently a 27.5-point favorite.

The Wolverines will begin their first of two games without head coach, Sherrone Moore, who’s serving a two-game suspension. In his place, associate head coach Biff Poggi will serve as the interim head coach. Biff Poggi was part of Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan staff as an associate head coach from 2021-2022. Then, he left to become the head coach of the Charlotte 49ers from 2023-2024 before returning to Michigan under Sherrone Moore. And ahead of this matchup, Moore had glowing things to say about Poggi.

“He’s been in the program before. His experience as a head coach, his love for the players, his knowledge of everybody in the building and keeping that cohesion was huge. I also wanted our coordinators to be able to continue their jobs as they go through the season. Let me come back and there be no hiccups. I think that’s going to be important.”

Moore has the utmost confidence in Poggi to fill in, as he has been a head coach at both the high school and college levels. He also believes this is the best way to create a seamless transition for the players and other coaches, as they will all still be doing their jobs as usual with or without Moore. 

Meanwhile, Central Michigan head coach Matt Drinkall is entering his first season as the head coach for the Chippewas. Drinkall has already made his appearance in Ann Arbor as part of the Army coaching staff, where they almost pulled off a miraculous upset over the Wolverines. Speaking to the media, he discussed the difficulty it will be for Michigan to prepare for his team’s offense.

“The cool part is that [our quarterbacks] don’t come in and do one thing or like three things,” said Drinkall. “Each of them runs the whole offense, but each of them has their own personal way they operate it, their own flavor to it. We can rotate those positions through just like we do the receivers and running backs and tight ends, which then, I think makes us much more difficult to prepare for.”

Central Michigan is a tough team to prepare for because of the different ways each of their quarterbacks operates the offense. Drinkall said that in a way, it’s like preparing for three different offenses before a game.

Michigan vs. Central Michigan 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

Key Players for Michigan

Michigan will need to use this game to get its offensive line going. Outside of the 75-yard touchdown run from Justice Haynes last week, the Wolverines’ offensive line did little to create holes for the running backs. The lack of a running game could have been a reason for the conservative play calling. It’ll be a key for the offensive line to play better as a unit this week.

The offense also needs to let Bryce Underwood unleash. He’s one of the most talented quarterbacks to put on a Michigan uniform, and only calling screen plays is a disservice to his talent. Wide receiver Donaven McCulley has proven to be a quality transfer for the Wolverines, so look for him to be a big part of a potentially more aggressive passing attack.

Defensively, players on the line will need to step up, such as TJ Guy, Damon Payne, and Trey Pierce. Derrick Moore is having an exceptional season, and that trend is likely to continue against Central Michigan.

The Michigan defense was better when linebacker Jaishawn Barham came back into the game, but Ernest Hausman struggled in coverage throughout their Week 2 contest. Cornerback Jyaire Hill played a much better game in Week 2. And with Zeke Berry returning from injury and TJ Metcalf making strides, the secondary is shaping up nicely. Safety Rod Moore will also make his much-anticipated return to the Big House after suffering an ACL injury last spring.

Key Players for Central Michigan

Central Michigan runs a three-quarterback system. Their man passer is Joe Labas, who has thrown for 145 yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, Angel Flores and Jadyn Glasser serve as change-of-pace quarterbacks, bringing more ability to run the football.

Running backs Nahree Biggins and Trey Cornist have combined for over 200 yards and one touchdown. Guard Brady Ploucha has been a strong piece on an overall struggling offensive line.

Defensively, edge rusher Michael Heldman has already recorded seven pressures and one sack this season. Cornerback Brenden Deasfernandes also has one interception this year and has been strong in coverage. However, as a unit, the defense has struggled against both the pass and the run.

Keys for Michigan to Win

This is the game to unleash Bryce and get him comfortable throwing the ball down the field. Ahead of a tough Big Ten schedule, Underwood will need to be prepared to make big-time throws in high-pressure moments. Michigan could also begin to use Underwood more as a runner. His size and speed make him an effective runner in the run game on zone reads and designed quarterback runs. 

Central Michigan’s offensive line has struggled significantly in both the run and pass, already allowing 24 pressures. Michigan is a nightmare matchup for the Chippewas as their offensive line likely won’t be able to handle the depth and talent on the Wolverines’ defense. The Wolverines should be able to get to the quarterback and create negative plays in the run fairly quickly.

Michigan’s offensive line needs to reset and regroup. While this isn’t the same type of unit they’ve had in the past, they will still need to play better for Michigan’s brand of football to succeed. This game should allow the line to get back into rhythm and gain confidence moving forward as they begin facing tougher opponents.