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.
Jordan Marshall breaks out
One of the most disappointing things so far this season has been the lack of production from running back Jordan Marshall.
Through two games, Marshall has 20 carries for 59 yards. He also has one reception for five yards but that's not the kind of impact expected from Marshall in his second season with Michigan football.
The former top-50 overall recruit has all the tools. Better blocking would help. A more open offense would, too. Haynes will get his carries and will likely rip off another explosive run. He was a perfect addition via the transfer portal and is an ideal fit for what Michigan football wants to do.
Marshall is too, though. We saw that last season in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Michigan football fans haven't seen that version of Marshall yet this season, but they will on Saturday. Marshall will come through with the second 100-yard game of his career.
Donaven McCulley catches another a bomb for a TD
Donaven McCulley has looked the part of the No. 1 wide receiver for Michigan football, both in terms of the number, and the depth chart, at least through two games.
McCulley didn't have a huge impact against New Mexico with four receptions for 31 yards; however, he was the top weapon against Oklahoma for Bryce Underwood with three receptions for 91 yards. That included multiple receptions of more than 20 yards, including a 44-yard pass he snagged between two Oklahoma defenders.
The Michigan wide receivers are better than they are being made out to be. A more aggressive passing attack would help them, especially some passes on first and second down, but just more chances.
Michigan didn't throw the ball much last week. It also didn't take many chances down field. Maybe that was because of the OU defensive line. Central Michigan isn't Oklahoma. That doesn't mean Michigan should launch the ball with reckless abandon, but Michigan has maybe the most talented quarterback it has ever had, and he does have some playmakers.
It's worth seeing what they can do. Chip Lindsey will do more of that Saturday, and the Wolverines will connect on a 40-yard-plus touchdown pass (Underwood to McCulley).
Bryce Underwood throws for 300 yards
This might be the boldest prediction of the bunch. The biggest concern might be the number of pass attempts he gets, which shouldn't be a question at this point.
Underwood is the starting quarterback for a reason. He was the No. 1 overall recruit for a reason. Stop calling plays like Davis Warren is playing quarterback. It does a disservice to Bryce, and the entire offense.
This offensive line isn't good enough, at least not yet, to open holes consistently against a stacked box. Michigan has the quarterback to loosen up the box, even with some easy throws on the outside.
However, the Wolverines have to abandon the conservative mindset they had in Oklahoma. Throw the ball on early downs. Throw the ball down the field. McCulley is a proven deep threat. Channing Goodwin has a catch of over 20 yards in each of the first two games.
It's not clear if Marlin Klein will come back this week; however, the Wolverines will have the talent edge this week, like they do most weeks. Central Michigan surrendered 340 passing yards last week, so U-M needs to let it rip.
As long as they do, Underwood will throw for 300 yards for the first time in a Michigan uniform.
Rod Moore will make an impact play
It might be too bold to say that Rod Moore will make an interception on Saturday. It wouldn't be shocking because Moore is an elite defensive back who looked close to 100 percent last week.
As much as Michigan needs Rod Moore to be Rod Moore, he's got plenty at stake, too. Moore needs to prove to the NFL that he's still an elite. We'll see what kind of impact he has on Saturday, if he does play as expected.
With his nose for the ball, Moore will find a way to come up with a key pass deflection, a sack, or some turnover play. He will start, and before long, Michigan football fans will be reminded of his impact.
Michigan vs. Central Michigan prediction against the spread
The Wolverines will be out to prove a point. They also need to build some momentum before another critical road test. It's only Central Michigan, but the standard is the standard, and Michigan wins convincingly.
Michigan 42, Central Michigan 10.