Central Michigan (CMU) vs Pittsburgh (Pitt) Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 6, 2025
Get ready for an entertaining Week 2 showdown as the Central Michigan Chippewas clash with the Pittsburgh Panthers in our Chippewas vs. Panthers. Set to unfold at Acrisure Stadium on September 6th at 12:00 PM ET, this game, airing on ESPNU, promises an exciting matchup with two teams at 1-0 right now. With these teams coming off different types of wins in Week One, let's dive into the stats, injuries, and key insights to preview what's in store. Your Saturday scout: NCAAF predictions for Central Michigan (CMU) Chippewas vs Pittsburgh (Pitt) Panthers you can trust.
Chippewas Looking for 2-0 Start
The Central Michigan Chippewas are getting ready to continue improving on the offensive side of the ball as they are coming off a 16-14 road victory over the San Jose State Spartans. Central Michigan’s offense is led by quarterback Joey Labas, who was able to complete just 5-of-10 for 56 yards and a pair of rushing attempts for seven yards against the Spartans. Their total offense stands at 351.0 yards per game, ranking 31st nationally, with rushing accounting for an incredible 236.0 yards (third nationally). The passing game has been one of the better ones in the country as well, ranking 41st with an average of 115.0 yards per game
Defensively, Central Michigan has been holding its own, allowing 383.0 total yards per game (31st nationally), with their pass defense standing out, allowing just a 53.3 completion percentage (13th nationally). The Chippewas have been a strong team so far and should continue to step up,
Injury Report for Central Michigan
- Tight end Rory Callahan: Undisclosed (OUT)
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Panthers Looking to Dominate
The Pittsburgh Panthers are looking to be a force this season and have gotten off on the right foot with their 61-9 home win over the Duquesne Dukes. Quarterback Eli Holstein stepped up in this game as he completed 15-of-23 passes for 215 yards with four touchdown passes to one interception. As a team, they are ranked 35th nationally in passing yards, averaging 273.0 per game. Pittsburgh’s total offense, which averages 460.0 yards per game (11th nationally), will need to figure out how to maintain its efficiency. The passing game, contributing 302.0 yards per game (seventh nationally), should continue to be the team’s bread and butter on this side of the field.
The Panthers’ defense, allowing an average of 208.0 total yards per game (ninth nationally), has been their strength this season. Their rush defense, in particular, has been impressive, conceding only 37.0 yards per game (third nationally). Their pass defense, allowing 171.0 yards per game (25 nationally), remains a strong point and will be crucial in containing Central Michigan’s offense.
Injury Report for Pittsburgh
- Cornerback Rashad Battle: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Linebacker Jeremiah Marcellin: Undisclosed (OUT)
- Linebacker Jayden Bonsu: Undisclosed (OUT)
- Running back Derrick Davis Jr: Knee (OUT)
Central Michigan vs. Pitt Pick
Spread Pick for Central Michigan vs. Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh Panthers -21.5 (4 units)
Even though large spreads are typically not my thing, there are always exceptions to the rules. Central Michigan got lucky last week with San Jose State missing two late field goals, while Pittsburgh completely annihilated Duquesne. There is a distinct difference of what these teams can do on the field with these rosters and Pittsburgh should dominate. They look like they have the best offensive weapons and also linebacker Kyle Louis recorded two sacks last week while the Chippewas recorded just one as a team. Take the Pittsburgh Panthers to cover the large spread in their own building.
- Over/Under: Under 51.5
This Pittsburgh team cleared that total themselves last week, but this game feels a bit different. Central Michigan’s defense can slow down the passing game a tad and that is going to lead to more empty possessions by Pittsburgh. Both defenses were within the top 20 in yards per rush allowed thus far, so they can make this game look one-dimensional as well. All in all, go with under 51.5 total points as the better bet to make here.
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