Central Michigan Chippewas vs Northwestern Wildcats Prediction, 12/26/2025 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Central Michigan Chippewas vs Northwestern Wildcats

Date: Friday, December 26, 2025

Location: Ford Field in Detroit, MI

TV: ESPN

Odds/Point Spread: Wildcats (-10.5)

Total/Over-Under: 44

The Central Michigan Chippewas (7-5) are headed to Ford Field on Friday, December 26, 2025 where they will meet the Northwestern Wildcats (6-6) in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. Central Michigan opens this matchup as 10.5-point underdogs from Vegas oddsmakers. The total is set at 44.

The Central Michigan Chippewas head into this game 7-5 for this season. In their last matchup, the Chippewas stepped onto the field against the Toledo Rockets and walked away from this one with a loss by a score of 21-3. In all, they ran 66 plays which converted into 323 yards. The Central Michigan Chippewas ended up running the ball 36 different times and totaled 81 yds, which had them averaging 2.3 yds per attempt. When it came to stopping the run, the Chippewas conceded 205 yards on 37 tries, which is 5.5 yds per rush allowed. Central Michigan allowed 14 completions on 24 tries for a total of 206 yards, and a completion percentage of 58.3%.

The Chippewas have tallied 4,028 total yards for the season. In terms of scoring, Central Michigan has earned 16 touchdowns via the pass and 17 touchdowns via the ground. They have surrendered the ball 12 different times. Central Michigan has accumulated 205 1st downs as a team, and they have committed 73 infractions for 587 yards. As a team they're averaging 169.5 yards on the ground ranking them 57th in Division 1. Concerning putting the ball in the endzone, the Central Michigan Chippewas have an average of 23.8 points per game.

Concerning yards through the air, the Chippewas have allowed 2,486 yards which puts them in 39th in Division 1. They have conceded 207.2 yards per contest through the air as well as giving up a completion percentage of 58.1%. Overall, they have surrendered 358.6 yards per outing which has them ranked 59th in Division 1. They have allowed 16 touchdowns via the pass and 17 touchdowns running the ball. Opposing teams are running for an average of 4.3 yards per tote and 151.4 rushing yards per game for the season. In total, they have given up 1,817 yards via the ground game in 12 games. The Chippewas are sitting in 49th in Division 1 when it comes to team defense, allowing 22.7 points per game.

Get all of our College Football Picks this Week

The Wildcats head into this matchup 6-6 this season. The last time they took the gridiron, the Wildcats took a loss by a score of 20-13 when they played the Illinois Fighting Illini. Northwestern allowed 36 rush attempts for 120 yds (3.3 yds per rush). The Wildcats passing defense conceded a completion rate of 68.8%, surrendering 164 yds on 11 out of 16 passing. The Wildcats finished with a total of 254 yds on 65 plays (3.9 yds per play). Northwestern ran the ball for 3.1 yds per attempt, finishing with 91 yards on 29 attempts.

The Northwestern Wildcats maintain an average of 348.8 yards/game, ranking them 96th in the nation. The Northwestern offense has compiled 420 penalty yards on 53 violations, which has them ranked 125th in the country in terms of making mistakes. They are averaging 167.1 run yards per game and have rushed for 2,005 yards for this year. They have given away 12 interceptions while surrendering 8 fumbles and they have been able to earn 238 1st downs. Regarding their scoring prowess, the Wildcats currently sit 104th in Division 1 averaging 22.5 points per outing. For the year thus far, the Wildcats have a total of 2,182 yards through the air not to mention an average of 181.8 passing yards per game, which has them ranked 111th in the country.

The Wildcats are giving up 20.9 points per contest, which has them sitting 34th in Division 1. Northwestern has yielded a total of 1,680 yards via the ground game (140.0 yards per contest) and 18 touchdowns on the ground on the campaign. They have given up 12 touchdowns through the air and 194.8 yards per contest, which puts them in 31st in the nation. The Wildcats defense has taken part in 700 plays, which ranks 2nd in Division 1. Their defense has 8 fumbles and 8 picks for the year. This year, they have conceded 251 total points.

Who will win tonight's Chippewas/Wildcats college football game against the spread?

Guy's Pick: Take the Chippewas +10.5

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Get college football picks on every single game, or if you want our very best bets by the experts, sign up for your free $60 account with a guarantee.