Following a rough loss to Oklahoma, Michigan football has had a week to stew and prepare for Central Michigan, the final non-conference opponent of 2025.
The Wolverines (1-1) will take on the Chippewas, who are fresh off a 45-17 loss to Pittsburgh last week. Central Michigan defeated San Jose State, 17-14, in Week 1.
Central Michigan has a first-year head coach in Matt Drinkall. Michigan football will have an interim head coach as Biff Poggi will fill in for the next two weeks for the suspended Sherrone Moore.
With the Nebraska game looming next week, another important road game for the Wolverines, Michigan needs to be sharp in its final tune-up before Big Ten play, and here are five bold predictions for Michigan vs. Central Michigan.
The run game gets going
It's just Central Michigan. But the run defense is respectable. CMU is allow opposing offenses to get just 99 rushing yards per game, as well as just four yards per attempt.
Pittsburgh totaled 126 yards last week, so this will be a good test for a Michigan running game that had a tough time in Oklahoma, outside of one big run from Justice Haynes.
The offensive line needs to be more consistent. They were put in some difficult situations last week but they still could have done a better job.
If the offensive front struggles to get movement against Central Michigan, that will be concerning as we head into Big Ten Play.
However, I expect a bounce-back performance. Not just from the offensive line, but the entire running game to the tune of over 200 yards.