Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Akron Zips Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 4, 2025
Use Code SSWC Central Michigan (3-2, 1-0 MAC) heads to InfoCision Stadium on Saturday afternoon to take on Akron (1-4, 0-1 MAC) in a Mid-American Conference clash. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+. The Chippewas are fresh off a 24-13 win over Eastern Michigan, while the Zips were hammered 45-3 on the road against Toledo. Before kickoff: NCAAF predictions for Nevada Wolf Pack vs. Fresno State Bulldogs in one clean snapshot.
Central Michigan Chippewas Look to Build Momentum
Central Michigan sits at 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the MAC after beating Eastern Michigan. The Chippewas piled up 272 rushing yards in that win, with Angel Flores leading the way with 137 yards on the ground and a short touchdown reception. Running back Nahree Biggins also chipped in with 115 yards rushing. Quarterback Joe Labas was effective, completing 14 of 16 throws for 138 yards and a touchdown, keeping the offense balanced.
Statistically, the Chippewas average 331.6 total yards per game, ranking 113th nationally. The rushing attack is the strength, averaging 178.6 yards per game (53rd), while the passing game has struggled at 153 yards per game (123rd). The team scores 21.8 points per game while allowing 29 points. On defense, Central Michigan gives up 374.8 yards per game, with 155 of those on the ground and 219.8 through the air.
The Chippewas’ defense was opportunistic last week, forcing a key interception in the win. Defensive leaders include Michael Heldman (4.5 sacks) and Elijah Gordon (28 tackles), anchoring a group that has been up and down but capable of making plays when needed.
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Central Michigan has a long list of injuries, with six players listed as questionable, while QB Jayden Glasser and TE Rory Callahan are out.
Akron Zips Struggling to Find Consistency
Akron enters at 1-4 and 0-1 in conference play after being overwhelmed by Toledo. The Zips were outgained 545-145 in that loss, failing to generate any momentum offensively. Quarterback Brayden Roggow threw for just 51 yards, while running back Jordan Gant was bottled up for 22 yards on 13 carries. Israel Polk led the receivers with only 16 yards.
On the season, Akron averages just 300.6 yards of total offense per game, ranking 127th in the country. The passing game averages 162.2 yards (117th), and the rushing game adds 138.4 yards (95th). The Zips are scoring only 16.4 points per game, among the worst in FBS. Defensively, the Zips give up 470 yards per game, with 288 allowed through the air (130th) and 182.0 on the ground (119th). Opponents are scoring 32.2 points per game against the Zips.
Defensively, linebacker Shammond Cooper leads with 33 tackles, while Bruno Dall has three sacks. But the unit has struggled to slow anyone down, giving up big yardage consistently.
Akron’s injury list is even longer than Central Michigan’s, with 14 names on the report, and all are questionable. QB Ben Finley is dealing with a lower-body injury and missed last week's game. Roggow and Michael Johnson Jr. are completing under 50% of their passes.
Central Michigan vs. Akron Pick
Spread Pick for Central Michigan vs. Akron
- Central Michigan -8.5 (4 Units)
Central Michigan has been the steadier team, using a strong ground game led by Flores and Biggins. The Chippewas are averaging nearly 180 rushing yards per game, while Akron allows 182 on the ground and was just routed by Toledo. Labas’s accuracy (74% completion rate) also gives CMU a reliable passing attack. Akron’s offense is near the bottom of the nation in points scored and total yards, and the defense has given up over 470 yards per game. With Akron’s injuries mounting, the Chippewas are in position to cover the spread comfortably.
Over/Under Pick for Central Michigan vs. Akron
- Â Under 45.5 (5 Units)
While Central Michigan should control the game, the Chippewas' offense is not its strength. The Chippewas are scoring just 21.8 points per game and rank 120th nationally in red zone offense. Akron has averaged only 16.4 points, and the passing game for the Zips has been below average all year. Both teams rank outside the top 110 in third-down conversion rate, meaning drives will often stall. Even if Central Michigan dominates, Akron’s lack of scoring should keep this game under the total.
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