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NCAAF · Final

Northwestern Dominates Central Michigan in Bowl Game

Friday, December 26, 2025, 1:00 PM ET · Ford Field

Northwestern Wildcats 34, Central Michigan Chippewas 7, final. Our NCAAF picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Central Michigan Chippewas vs Northwestern Wildcats?

Northwestern Wildcats beat Central Michigan Chippewas 34-7 at Ford Field on December 26, 2025.

Who was favored in Central Michigan Chippewas vs Northwestern Wildcats?

Northwestern Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -520 (about 84% implied). The favorite won.

In a decisive bowl game, the Northwestern Wildcats triumphed over the Central Michigan Chippewas with a final score of 34 to 7. This matchup was held at Ford Field, and it showcased the Wildcats' ability to dominate both offensively and defensively. With this victory, Northwestern improved its record to 8-6, while Central Michigan fell to 7-7.

The Wildcats entered the game with a mixed record of 7-6, having gone 5-5 in their last ten outings, and they were on a one-game losing streak. Their average scoring in those last ten games was 22.5 points per game, while they allowed an average of 22.1 points. In their last five games, they struggled further, recording just one win against four losses, with an average of 22.2 points scored and 29.0 points allowed.

In contrast, the Chippewas also held a record of 7-6, but they had a better recent form, going 6-4 in their last ten games. They averaged 25.3 points scored and allowed 21.3 points during that stretch. However, they were also on a one-game losing streak leading into this matchup. Their last five games saw them winning three and losing two, with an average of 25.6 points scored and 18.6 points allowed.

At home, Northwestern had a record of 4-2, while they struggled on the road with a 1-3 record. Central Michigan performed better at home with a 4-1 record but had a weaker away record of 2-3. This fixture was particularly noteworthy as both teams had equal overall records, but their recent performances indicated a disparity in momentum heading into the game.

The odds from DraftKings indicated that Northwestern was favored to win by 13.5 points, with a total set at 43.5. The moneyline favored Northwestern at -520, while Central Michigan was listed at +390. These odds reflected the expectations of the teams' performances based on their recent form and overall records.

In terms of player availability, the block did not provide specific details on injuries affecting either team, but such information can often play a critical role in game outcomes. The conditions at Ford Field were not detailed, but typically, indoor venues like Ford Field provide a controlled environment that can benefit both teams equally.

Viewers should have watched for Northwestern's strong defensive performance, which was a key factor in their victory. The Wildcats' ability to limit Central Michigan's scoring opportunities was evident, as they only allowed one touchdown throughout the game. Additionally, Northwestern's offense was efficient, managing to score multiple touchdowns and maintain control of the game.

Overall, this bowl game highlighted Northwestern's strengths and provided a clear indication of their capabilities moving forward, while Central Michigan will need to regroup after this defeat.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsNU -13.5 43.5 o -110 / u -110 Central Michigan Chippewas +390 · Northwestern Wildcats -520

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

  • Passing yardsPreston Stone19/31, 226 YDS, 3 TDNorthwestern Wildcats
  • Rushing yardsCaleb Komolafe15 CAR, 55 YDS, 1 TDNorthwestern Wildcats
  • Receiving yardsGriffin Wilde10 REC, 97 YDS, 2 TDNorthwestern Wildcats
  • Passing yardsJoe Labas21/25, 178 YDS, 1 TDCentral Michigan Chippewas
  • Rushing yardsTrey Cornist11 CAR, 66 YDSCentral Michigan Chippewas
  • Receiving yardsLangston Lewis8 REC, 83 YDSCentral Michigan Chippewas

Recent form

Northwestern Wildcats

Last 10: 5-5Streak L122.5 scored · 22.1 allowed per game4-2 at home

  • L13-20at Illinois Fighting IlliniNov 30
  • W38-35vs Minnesota Golden GophersNov 22
  • L22-24vs Michigan WolverinesNov 15
  • L17-38at USC TrojansNov 8
  • L21-28at Nebraska CornhuskersOct 25
  • W19-0vs Purdue BoilermakersOct 18
  • W22-21at Penn State Nittany LionsOct 11
  • W42-7vs UL Monroe WarhawksOct 4
  • W17-14vs UCLA BruinsSep 27
  • L14-34vs Oregon DucksSep 13

Central Michigan Chippewas

Last 10: 6-4Streak L125.3 scored · 21.3 allowed per game2-3 away

  • L3-21vs Toledo RocketsNov 29
  • W28-16at Kent State Golden FlashesNov 20
  • W38-19vs Buffalo BullsNov 13
  • L21-24at Western Michigan BroncosNov 1
  • W38-13vs Massachusetts MinutemenOct 25
  • W27-6at Bowling Green FalconsOct 18
  • L22-28at Akron ZipsOct 4
  • W24-13vs Eastern Michigan EaglesSep 27
  • W49-10vs Wagner SeahawksSep 20
  • L3-63at Michigan WolverinesSep 13

Standings

TeamOverallIn conference
Eastern Michigan1-01-0
Akron0-00-0
Ball State0-00-0
Bowling Green0-00-0
Buffalo0-00-0
Central Michigan0-00-0
Kent State0-00-0
Massachusetts0-00-0
Miami (OH)0-00-0
Ohio0-00-0
Toledo0-00-0
Western Michigan0-00-0
Sacramento State0-10-1
USC1-00-0
Illinois0-00-0
Indiana0-00-0
Iowa0-00-0
Maryland0-00-0
Michigan State0-00-0
Michigan0-00-0
Minnesota0-00-0
Nebraska0-00-0
Northwestern0-00-0
Ohio State0-00-0
Oregon0-00-0
Penn State0-00-0
Purdue0-00-0
Rutgers0-00-0
UCLA0-00-0
Washington0-00-0
Wisconsin0-00-0

Box score

StatCentral Michigan ChippewasNorthwestern Wildcats
First downs1518
Third downs3-114-13
Fourth downs0-12-5
Total yards269313
Net passing yards178236
Completions21/2620/35
Yards per pass6.86.7
Rushing yards9177
Rushing attempts3426
Yards per rush2.73.0
Penalties5-462-20
Turnovers41
Fumbles lost30
Interceptions thrown11
Time of possession32:4227:18

Win probability

Above the line favours Northwestern Wildcats, below favours Central Michigan Chippewas.

Venue

  • Ford FieldDetroit, MI
  • Attendance27857

Elsewhere

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.