Colgate vs Central Michigan Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 12 2026
The Colgate Raiders travel to Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, to face the Central Michigan Chippewas on Saturday, September 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET. Colgate enters at 2-0 after victories over Fordham and Holy Cross, while Central Michigan is 0-1 after suffering a 38-7 road loss against New Mexico. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Before placing your wagers, check out our free college football picks for more predictions throughout the season.
Colgate Carries Momentum Into Mount Pleasant
Colgate has been impressive through two games, beating Fordham 24-14 before handling Holy Cross 35-10. The Raiders produced 442 total yards against Holy Cross and held the Crusaders scoreless throughout the second half. Colgate also intercepted three passes.
Jake Stearney threw for 278 yards and four touchdowns in the victory, with three of those scores going to Matt Fogler. Fogler finished with 153 receiving yards, while Danny Shaban led the rushing attack with 94 yards. Colgate averaged 7.8 yards per offensive play.
Those numbers make this a dangerous FCS matchup for Central Michigan. Colgate has already demonstrated offensive balance and big-play ability, while the Raiders' defense has allowed only 24 combined points through two games.
Central Michigan Looks to Rebound at Home
Central Michigan had a difficult season opener, losing 38-7 at New Mexico. The Chippewas were outgained 364-149 and managed only nine first downs compared with New Mexico's 28. CMU was also held scoreless until the final five minutes.
The passing game was particularly ineffective. Central Michigan completed only seven passes for 30 yards and finished with just 3.1 yards per offensive play. The Chippewas did rush for 119 yards, but those numbers weren't enough to sustain possessions against New Mexico.
Returning to Kelly/Shorts Stadium should help, and Central Michigan still owns the FBS depth advantage. However, Colgate enters with substantially more momentum and has already demonstrated a passing attack capable of creating explosive plays.
Colgate vs Central Michigan Picks and Prediction
Pick: Colgate +13.5 or Better
With a conventional spread not consistently available, Colgate +13.5 or better is my target. Central Michigan should perform better at home, but the Chippewas produced only 149 yards in their opener while Colgate generated 442 against Holy Cross. Stearney and Fogler give the Raiders enough passing-game production to challenge CMU, and Colgate enters 2-0 with victories by 10 and 25 points. If sportsbooks make Central Michigan close to a two-touchdown favorite, take Colgate +13.5 or better.
Pick: Under 51.5
For the total, Under 51.5 is my target. Central Michigan's offense managed only 149 yards and seven points against New Mexico, while Colgate's defense has surrendered just 24 points through two games. The Raiders should have opportunities offensively, but moving from Holy Cross to an FBS defense is still a meaningful step up. Something around 27-17 or 28-17 fits the matchup. Take the Under if the total is set at 51.5 or higher.
Final Picks: Colgate +13.5 or better and Under 51.5 or higher