GameAbove Sports Bowl: Central Michigan Chippewas vs Northwestern Wildcats Betting Pick & Prediction for 12/26

College Football Preview

The GameAbove Sports Bowl is set to take place on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. The Central Michigan Chippewas will play against the Northwestern Wildcats. This game will air on ESPN at 1:00 PM.

Central Michigan enters with a 7-5 record. They had a 4-3 record in the Mid-American Conference. Northwestern, with a 6-6 record, had a 4-5 record in the Big Ten Conference. The Wildcats have an edge at home with a 5-2 record.

Central Michigan Team Preview

The Central Michigan Chippewas have had an up-and-down season. They recently faced the Toledo Rockets at home and lost 21-3. In that game, they gained 242 passing yards but struggled on the ground with only 81 rushing yards.

In an earlier game against Kent State, the Chippewas found success. They won 28-16 on the road. Their rushing game was strong, gaining 176 yards while limiting Kent State to just 89 rushing yards.

Central Michigan’s season stats show a mixed performance. Their offense has scored 286 points, ranking 76th, and gained 2074 rushing yards, ranking 57th. However, their passing game ranks 113th, with 1994 passing yards.

GameAbove Sports Bowl: Central Michigan vs Northwestern Game Day Info

  • Sport: Football
  • Teams: Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Northwestern Wildcats
  • Venue: Ford Field in Detroit, MI
  • Date: Friday, December 26, 2025
  • Betting Odds: Central Michigan +326, Northwestern -428

Northwestern Team Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats have had a challenging season. They have faced some tough opponents and have a record of ups and downs. The team recently lost to the Illinois Fighting Illini 20-13, with their defense showing strength by allowing only 14 first downs.

Offensively, the Wildcats have put up 270 points, ranking 84th this season. Their passing game has been steady, with Preston Stone leading the charge. Stone has thrown for 2,174 yards and 14 touchdowns over 12 games.

Injuries have been a concern for the Wildcats. Key players like Richie Hagarty and Cam Porter are out for the rest of the season. Several others, including Caleb Komolafe and Dashun Reeder, are questionable for upcoming games.

BTB Betting Pick

The spread for the game is Northwestern -10.5. Central Michigan has shown a strong defense with 28 sacks, ranking 14th, and 12 interceptions, ranking 13th. This defensive strength suggests they can keep the game close. The pick is Central Michigan to cover +10.5.

The total for the game is set at 43.5. Central Michigan has allowed 272 points this season, ranking 91st, while Northwestern has scored 270, ranking 84th. With both teams having moderate scoring offenses and defenses, the pick is to take the over 43.5.