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

It’s the Pitt Panthers vs. the Chippewas of Central Michigan at Acrisure Stadium for this 2025 Week 2 matchup. Both teams are coming off wins in different fashions.

Central Michigan snuck out an upset at San Jose State 16-14 in Week 1. Meanwhile, Pitt trounced FCS opponent Duquesne 61-9. Which team will stay undefeated heading into Week 3? Let’s dive in.

Pitt Panthers vs. Central Michigan Chippewas: Matchup History

Similar to last week’s game for the Panthers, there is not much history to this matchup.

This will be the first time Pitt and Central Michigan play each other in their respective histories. Pitt is known for scheduling the MAC as out of conference opponents. Because of that, the lack of matchup history did come as a small surprise.

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

Key Players for Central Michigan

Central Michigan only threw the ball a total of 13 times in their win last week. It’s safe to say the Chippewas do not like to play from behind.

They were led last week by the dual-backfield of Nahree Biggins and Trey Cornist. They combined for 31 carries for 201 yards and a touchdown, and were definitely co-MVPs for Central Michigan.

Another player to look out for on offense is quarterback Angel Flores. Flores split time with Joey Labas under center last week, completing all three of his pass attempts for 59 yards. More importantly though, he ran the ball 12 times. Even though he only gained 30 yards on those attempts, Pitt’s defense will surely be looking out for him running the ball.

Either way, Pitt will be hyper-focused on the Central Michigan ground game. It will be up to the Chippewas defense to keep them within reach to be able to run the ball on a regular basis.

On the defense, the line is their strongest unit. Fifth-year senior Michael Heldman has been a consistent force for this team as a four-year starter. More of a run-stopper than a pass-rusher, Heldman will be doing everything he can to neutralize Desmond Reid and the Pitt ground game. Heldman was a force last week, producing six tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.

Key Players for Pitt

Kenny Johnson was relatively quiet in the Week 1 game against Duquesne. Even though he finished with four receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown, it felt like he was absent from the offense on a lot of plays in the first half.

Eli Holstein should target Johnson early and often, especially with how Central Michigan struggles playing from behind. If Johnson gets separation early, that makes everyone on the offense better for Pitt, and opens the run game.

Desmond Reid will be on every team’s radar this year, but this week could be his best game of the year. Outside of the 53-yard score, Reid was bottled up last week on the ground. Pitt should be playing with a lead, and that means big workloads for Reid and freshman Juelz Goff. There is also a chance Reid is sitting late if Pitt pulls away, he will want to make big plays early while he still can.

Defensive end Jimmy Scott will be the key to stopping Angel Flores’s run game. Scott had 30 tackles and six sacks a season ago, and was a force on the edge for Pitt all season.

Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles could take turns spying Flores. However, if Scott can set the edge and rush Flores effectively, that makes things easier for the linebackers. And, it will put Central Michigan’s offense in bad down and distance situations.

How Pitt Wins in Week 2

If I am a Pitt fan, I am worried about this game. This is an easy look-ahead spot with the Backyard Brawl on the horizon. If Pitt’s offense starts slow, Central Michigan will be content running the ball and chewing clock.

Pitt needs to take the lead early in this contest. If they force Central Michigan to play from behind, they will win the game. It’s hard to see a game where Central Michigan is passing the ball 30+ times and winning.

Pitt is favored by 21.5, thought it may be a little closer due to Central Michigan’s offensive philosophy. However, Pitt should win this contest by multiple possessions.

Score Prediction: Pitt 30, Central Michigan 13.