The Central Michigan Chippewas (5‑3) and Western Michigan Broncos (4‑4) will meet in the MAC on Saturday afternoon at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo. The Broncos enter as clear favorites and are looking to avoid a second straight loss, while the Chippewas aim to grab their third win in a row and cement their MAC championship candidacy. Before kickoff from Kalamazoo, continue reading to get my Central Michigan vs Western Michigan prediction.
Our Central Michigan vs Western Michigan Pick
- Pick: Central Michigan +5.5
- Confidence: ★★★☆☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Central Michigan Chippewas vs Western Michigan Broncos
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 4:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI
- Broadcast: ESPNU
Key Storylines
One of the central storylines for this game is the ongoing rivalry between these two schools. This is the annual “Battle for the Cannon,” where the winner takes home the trophy and bragging rights. Historically, Western Michigan has held the upper hand in the series, but both teams have a real shot to get the win in this edition of their rivalry.
Central Michigan enters riding two-game winning streak and having won four of their last five games. Western Michigan brings a defensive identity into this game, holding opponents under 14 points in three of their last four games. The Broncos lost to Ball State in their last game and will try to get back on track with a win in this contest.
There are huge MAC championship implications at play in this contest as well. Both of these teams are 3-1 in the MAC and the winner of this game will give themselves a better chance to get to the conference title game in a few more weeks.
Quarterback Play
On the Chippewas’ side, the signal‑caller for much of the season has been Joe Labas. He has thrown for 914 yards, completing 71 % of his passes, with seven touchdowns and just one interception. Prolific passing is not the calling card of the Chippewas, but they have found a way to make things work.
Western Michigan quarterback Broc Lowry has been a dual‑threat at his position. He has thrown for 1,164 yards and leads the team in rushing with 509 yards. He’s accounted for 13 touchdowns in total and his mobility will be one of the keys to this game.
Betting Trends
- Central Michigan is 5-3 against the spread so far this season.
- Western Michigan is 6-2 against the spread going into this week.
- The Chippewas have gone over the total in five of their first eight games.
- Western Michigan has stayed under the total in five of their first eight games.
Central Michigan vs Western Michigan Model Projection
Score Projection: Western Michigan 27 – Central Michigan 24
Win Probability: Western Michigan 67%, Central Michigan 33%
Final Thoughts
These teams have a lot to play for today and I think we are going to see a very tight game on Saturday afternoon. I’ll take the points with Central Michigan, as I don’t see this game being decided by more than a field goal in either direction.
