UMass Minutemen vs. Central Michigan Chippewas Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 25, 2025

The Massachusetts Minutemen travel to Mount Pleasant to face the Central Michigan Chippewas at Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN+. Central Michigan enters this MAC matchup at 4-3 overall and 2-1 in conference play after a dominant road win, while Massachusetts is still seeking its first victory of the season at 0-7 and 0-3 in the MAC. Rivalries, tempo, trenches — NCAAF picks for Massachusetts Minutemen at Central Michigan Chippewas.

Massachusetts Minutemen Look to End Skid

Massachusetts continues to struggle through the schedule, performing poorly on both sides of the ball. They have not won a game since beating FCS Wagner last season in October and have not defeated an FBS squad since 2023 when they beat Army 21-14 on Oct. 28, so it's been nearly two years. Quarterback AJ Hairston has thrown for 636 yards this season, completing 61 of 123 passes with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He played better in the most recent loss to Buffalo, connecting on a 77-yard touchdown to tight end Max Dowling. Running back Brandon Hood leads the team with 285 rushing yards on 63 carries and two scores, highlighted by a 90-yard touchdown run last week. Wide receiver Jacquon Gibson has been the top target with 358 yards on 36 receptions.

The Minutemen have averaged just 12.6 points per game while giving up over 40 per contest. Their total offense ranks near the bottom, and they’ve struggled to sustain drives, averaging 11 first downs per game. However, UMass did protect the football in that game with zero turnovers, marking a small step forward. The defense remains an issue, allowing 475 total yards last week, including 316 through the air. Linebacker Tyler Martin led the defense with 12 tackles against Buffalo, while defensive end Kobe Stewart added 1.5 sacks, giving him a key role in the front seven.

In the 28-21 loss to Buffalo, UMass showed its most competitive effort in weeks. Hood’s 179 rushing yards powered the offense, and Hairston’s deep touchdown strike gave the Minutemen a brief second-half lead. Buffalo eventually pulled away behind late field goals and a fourth-quarter interception. Despite the loss, the offense produced 306 total yards and limited penalties to 55 yards.

Injuries:

• S. Weidman (OG) – Questionable
• T. Magee (CB) – Questionable
• J. Gibson (WR) – Questionable
• D. Snyder (S) – Questionable
• B. Rose (QB) – Questionable
• M. Glynn II (OG) – Out
• Z. Franks (OG) – Out
• J. Nobles (DL) – Out

Central Michigan Chippewas Aim to Build Momentum

Central Michigan rides momentum into this matchup after a convincing 27-6 win at Bowling Green that snapped a 10-game MAC road losing streak. Central Michigan uses two quarterbacks. Joe Labas has been effective under center this season with 766 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception on 60-of-87 passing. Dual-threat Angel Flores has been a difference-maker on the ground, rushing for 456 yards and seven touchdowns. Flores’ three short scoring runs last week accounted for all of CMU’s touchdowns.

The Chippewas have found success leaning on the run game, with over 200 yards on the ground in the win at Bowling Green. Flores rushed for 72 yards on 18 carries, while running back Brock Townsend broke off a key 37-yard run to set up a touchdown. The offense has totaled 49 points over the last two wins while limiting turnovers. Receiver Tommy McIntosh leads with 197 yards on 12 catches and one touchdown, but passing has been modest as CMU attempted only five passes last week.

Defensively, Central Michigan controlled the game from start to finish, allowing just 153 passing yards and forcing two interceptions. Linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski continues to be the defensive leader, now up to 50 tackles after recording 14 against Bowling Green. His interception return to the 1-yard line set up CMU’s first touchdown and flipped the momentum early. The defense has held opponents to 13 points or fewer in three of the last four games, improving its standing in total defense and red-zone stops.

Injuries:

• T. Pierre (OG) – Out
• D. Maiava (OG) – Questionable
• K. Jones (CB) – Questionable
• K. Kostus (DL) – Questionable
• C. Rhodes (LB) – Questionable
• K. Krebs (CB) – Questionable
• M. Ferguson (LB) – Out
• J. Glasser (QB) – Out
• R. Callahan (TE) – Out
• J. Iannuzzi (OG) – Out

Massachusetts Minutemen at Central Michigan Chippewas Pick

Spread Pick for Massachusetts vs. Central Michigan

• Central Michigan -15.5 (4 Units)

Central Michigan’s physical rushing attack and improving defense make it difficult for UMass to keep pace. The Chippewas have covered similar spreads in recent MAC play, holding opponents to an average of 9.6 points across the last three wins. With Flores’ ability to extend drives on the ground and Kwiatkowski leading a defense that pressures the pocket, Central Michigan has the matchup edge on both sides of the ball. UMass has allowed 40 or more points in five of seven games, and even with better offensive execution last week, it remains outmatched against a balanced CMU squad.

Over/Under Pick for Massachusetts vs. Central Michigan

• Under 46.5 (4 Units)

Both teams prefer a slower tempo with heavy ground games. Central Michigan’s last three wins have averaged a combined 39 total points, while UMass has stayed under the posted total in four of its last five. The Chippewas’ defense has tightened up considerably, forcing turnovers and controlling possession, and UMass’ offense leans on long drives from Hood rather than quick strikes. Expect Central Michigan to control the pace and limit the Minutemen’s scoring opportunities, keeping this total below the number.