Week 8 of the 2025 College Football season brings an intriguing Mid-American Conference showdown as the Central Michigan Chippewas travel to face the Bowling Green Falcons. The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, OH. Fans can catch the action on CBSS. Central Michigan enters this game with a balanced record of 3-3, including a 1-3 road performance. Their recent outing saw them narrowly fall to the Akron Zips, 28-22, highlighting their struggles away from Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Despite the setback, the Chippewas have shown they can be competitive in conference play with a 1-1 record. Bowling Green, also holding a 3-3 overall record, has demonstrated a strong home-field advantage with a perfect 3-0 record at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. Their latest victory against Toledo, 28-23, showcased their ability to defend their home turf effectively. The Falcons aim to maintain their home winning streak against a conference rival.
Bowling Green vs Central Michigan At a Glance
- Game Location: Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, OH
- Game Timing: Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM
- Television Coverage: CBSS
- Central Michigan Record: 3-3 this season
- Bowling Green Record: 3-3 this season
- Betting Odds: Bowling Green -183, Central Michigan +152
Bowling Green Falcons Prepare for Central Michigan Challenge
Offensive Overview
The Bowling Green Falcons have been working hard on their offensive game plan, tallying a total of 134 points this season, which ranks them 73rd in the nation. The team has accumulated 995 passing yards, positioning them at 112th in the rankings, and 851 rushing yards, which ranks them 84th.
The Falcons’ offensive strategy will rely on key players like quarterback Drew Pyne, who has thrown for 830 yards over six games. The team’s ability to secure first downs, ranked 58th with 100 first downs, will be crucial to maintain momentum against Central Michigan.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, Bowling Green has allowed 152 points this season, ranking them 87th. Their pass rush has been formidable, with 14 sacks placing them 12th, and their secondary has been effective with 4 interceptions, ranking 5th.
The Falcons have also excelled at forcing turnovers, recovering 7 fumbles, the second-best in the nation. Their defensive prowess will be vital in containing Central Michigan’s offensive threats.
Recent Game Performance
In recent games, Bowling Green displayed resilience with a 28-23 victory over Toledo, although they struggled in previous away games against Ohio and Louisville. The Falcons were outpaced in passing yards by Ohio and Louisville, highlighting a potential area for improvement.
Despite these setbacks, the Falcons showed strong rushing capabilities against Louisville with 190 rushing yards. This aspect of their game will need to be consistent as they face Central Michigan.
Injury Report
The Falcons are dealing with several injuries, notably to quarterback Drew Pyne, who is listed as questionable. Defensive tackle Ian van der Merwe and linebacker Dorian Pringle, who is out for the season, are also key absences.
The uncertainty surrounding these players could impact the team’s performance, particularly on defense, where the Falcons have shown strength this season.
Key Players
Running back Chris McMillian leads the team with 247 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns over five games. Wide receiver RJ Garcia II is another standout, with 19 receptions and 167 receiving yards.
Tight end Jacob Harris has been a key red-zone target, with 3 receiving touchdowns. Their performances will be critical in ensuring offensive success against Central Michigan.
Betting Trends
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 10 Games (2023–2025) → 9-1 (90.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 17 Games (2022–2025) → 14-3 (82.4%)
- O/U – Totals ≤ 42: Last 4 Games (2023–2024) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 3 Games (2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 3 Games (2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
Central Michigan Chippewas Look to Bounce Back Against Bowling Green
Overview of Central Michigan’s Season Performance
Central Michigan’s offense is averaging 131 points this season, placing them 75th in the rankings. Their passing game has struggled, ranking 116th with just 901 yards. However, their ground game has been effective, amassing 1163 rushing yards and ranking 35th.
On the defensive side, the Chippewas have allowed 173 points, placing them 102nd in the rankings. They have been successful in creating turnovers, ranking 8th with 7 interceptions and 7th with 2 fumbles recovered. Their pass rush has been effective as well, recording 8 sacks and ranking 18th.
Recent Game Insights
Central Michigan is coming off a narrow 28-22 loss to Akron, where they were unable to capitalize on their rushing advantage. They managed 238 rushing yards compared to Akron’s 167, but their passing game was limited to 136 yards.
In their win against Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan dominated the rushing game with 311 yards, leading to a 24-13 victory. Their defense held Eastern Michigan to just 123 rushing yards, showcasing their ability to control the ground game.
Key Players to Watch
Angel Flores has been a consistent contributor, leading the team with 119 passing yards and 75.2 fantasy points. Joe Labas has also been effective, throwing for 694 yards and accounting for 5 touchdowns.
Nahree Biggins has been a standout in the rushing department, accumulating 278 yards and scoring a touchdown. On the receiving end, Tommy McIntosh has been reliable with 11 receptions for 188 yards and 1 touchdown.
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
The Chippewas face Bowling Green as 3.5-point underdogs, an opportunity to improve their road performance. Their upcoming schedule includes key games against Massachusetts and Buffalo, both at home, where they have been strong.
Central Michigan’s injury report lists several key players as questionable or out, which could impact their depth and performance in upcoming games. The team will need to rely on their healthy players to step up and fill the void.
Central Michigan Top Betting Trends
- ATS – Home Games: Last 5 Games (2024–2025) → 5-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 3 Games (2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
Bowling Green vs Central Michigan Prediction: Over 43.0
Both Bowling Green and Central Michigan have shown the capability to score this season, with Bowling Green putting up 134 points and Central Michigan 131 points across their six games. Bowling Green’s last game against Toledo ended with a 28-23 result, which went over the total. This suggests they can hit the over in competitive matchups.
On the defensive side, both teams have struggled, allowing a combined 325 points in the current season. Central Michigan’s defense ranks 102nd in points against, which could provide Bowling Green with ample scoring opportunities at home where they are undefeated this season. This points to a potential high-scoring game.
The betting trends for Bowling Green further reinforce the likelihood of an over result. They have hit the over in all of their last three games in 2025. In addition, their trend of going over when totals are set at 42 or lower (4-0 in recent games) indicates that the line of 43 could be surpassed.
Based on these factors, the expectation is that both offenses will outperform the set total. A projected final score of Bowling Green 27 – Central Michigan 21 supports the over bet.
- Bowling Green vs Central Michigan Prediction: Over 43.0
- Bowling Green vs Central Michigan Score: Bowling Green 27 – Central Michigan 21
