The Massachusetts Minutemen, currently on a challenging season with a record of 0-7, are set to travel to Kelly/Shorts Stadium for their Week 9 game against the Central Michigan Chippewas. With a road record of 0-3, the Minutemen will be looking to turn their fortunes around against a tough opponent. Their recent performances have seen struggles, including a close game against Buffalo where they lost 28-21. Central Michigan comes into this game with a more favorable season record of 4-3, including an undefeated 2-0 record at home. The Chippewas have shown strong play in recent games, highlighted by a 27-6 win against Bowling Green. Their balanced attack and home-field advantage could play a pivotal role in maintaining their positive momentum. The odds heavily favor Central Michigan, with a moneyline of -678 against Massachusetts’s +484. The spread is set at -15.5 in favor of the Chippewas, indicating expectations of a decisive win. With the over/under total at 46.5, this matchup could have significant implications for both teams as they seek to achieve their season goals.
Central Michigan vs Massachusetts At a Glance
- Game Location: Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI
- Game Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Massachusetts Record: 0-7 this season
- Central Michigan Record: 4-3 this season
- Game Odds: Central Michigan favored at -678 moneyline
Central Michigan Chippewas Set for Showdown with Massachusetts Minutemen
Offensive Insights
In the 2025 season, Central Michigan has accumulated 1,366 rushing yards, ranking 33rd nationally. This impressive ground game has been a cornerstone of their offensive strategy.
However, the passing game has not been as effective, with only 974 passing yards placing them at 123rd. This disparity highlights their reliance on the run game to move the chains and score points.
Defensive Overview
Central Michigan’s defense has allowed 179 points this season, ranking them 97th nationally. Their pass rush has been more effective, with 11 sacks placing them at 18th in the nation.
Interceptions have been a defensive highlight, with 9 so far, ranking 10th. Their ability to create turnovers has been crucial in key games.
Recent Performances
The Chippewas recently secured a convincing 27-6 victory over Bowling Green, showcasing their defensive strength by limiting their opponent to just 6 points. Their rushing attack was instrumental in this win, contributing 203 yards.
In a previous matchup against Akron, Central Michigan fell short, losing 28-22. Despite a strong rushing performance with 238 yards, their passing game struggled, contributing to their defeat.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Joe Labas has been a standout, leading with 766 passing yards and 5 touchdowns. His ability to manage the game and make plays will be vital against Massachusetts.
On the ground, Nahree Biggins has been a key contributor with 321 rushing yards and a touchdown. His performance will be critical in maintaining their offensive momentum.
Team Betting Trends
- ATS – Home Games: Last 5 Games → 5-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 29 Games → 19-10 (65.5%)
Massachusetts Minutemen Aim to Turn the Tide Against Central Michigan Chippewas
Quarterback Concerns
The Massachusetts Minutemen have been struggling offensively this season, currently ranking 110th in passing yards with a total of 1203. Quarterback AJ Hairston has thrown for 636 yards in six games, but his three touchdowns come alongside three interceptions. Injuries to Brandon Rose, who is questionable, could further impact their passing game.
Backup quarterbacks Grant Jordan and Brandon Rose have seen limited action, with Jordan contributing 278 passing yards in four games. The Minutemen are hoping for a more efficient passing attack, especially with Rose’s status uncertain. This could potentially mean more reliance on Hairston to carry the passing load.
Rushing Game Struggles
Massachusetts ranks 125th in rushing yards this season with a mere 537 yards. Brandon Hood leads the team with 285 rushing yards over seven games, but the running game has yet to find consistency. Hood and Rocko Griffin will need to step up to provide a balanced offensive attack.
With an offensive line plagued by injuries, including Zachary Franks and Mao Glynn II, the Minutemen’s rushing attack faces additional hurdles. Their lack of rushing touchdowns highlights the need for improvement in the ground game.
Defensive Challenges
The Minutemen’s defense has struggled significantly, allowing 249 points and ranking 127th in points against. Despite these challenges, they have managed to secure 10 sacks and 4 interceptions, showing some ability to pressure opposing offenses. However, they will need a more consistent defensive effort to contain Central Michigan.
Massachusetts ranks impressively in interceptions (5th) and fumbles recovered (8th), showing glimpses of playmaking ability. They need to capitalize on these opportunities to give their offense better field position and chances to score.
Recent Performance
Massachusetts has faced a tough stretch, losing their last five games, including a close 28-21 loss to Buffalo. In their matchup against the Bulls, they managed to out-rush Buffalo with 187 yards on the ground. However, their passing game was limited to just 119 yards, highlighting their ongoing offensive struggles.
Previous losses to teams like Kent State and Missouri underscore the need for the Minutemen to find balance and execution on both sides of the ball. Improvement in offensive production and defensive stops will be crucial as they face Central Michigan.
Team Betting Trends
- O/U – Home Games: Last 6 Games (2024–2025) → 5-1 (83.3%)
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 24 Games (2022–2025) → 16-8 (66.7%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 11 Games (2024–2025) → 8-3 (72.7%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 27 Games (2022–2025) → 17-10 (63.0%)
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: Last 7 Games (2024–2025) → 5-2 (71.4%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 15 Games (2023–2025) → 9-6 (60.0%)
- ATS – Away Games: Last 19 Games (2022–2025) → 11-8 (57.9%)
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 26 Games (2022–2025) → 14-12 (53.8%)
Central Michigan vs Massachusetts Prediction: Over 46.5
The Massachusetts Minutemen have struggled this season, with a 0-7 record and a defense that ranks 127th in points against, allowing 249 points. This porous defense suggests that their opponent, Central Michigan, will have ample opportunities to score. The Chippewas have demonstrated solid offensive capabilities, ranking 68th in points for with a total of 158 points this season.
Central Michigan comes into this game with a 4-3 record and strong home performance, remaining unbeaten at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Their offensive strategy is likely to exploit Massachusetts’s defensive weaknesses, potentially leading to high-scoring drives. With Central Michigan’s defense allowing 179 points (97th in points against), Massachusetts might also find the end zone a few times, contributing to the overall score.
The betting trends support an over pick, particularly with Central Michigan’s tendency to hit over totals in games where they are favored. The consensus total over of 46.5 is achievable given the circumstances and both teams’ stats. With Central Michigan’s ability to score and Massachusetts’s defensive struggles, the game is projected to surpass the total points line.
Based on these factors, the prediction is that the game will go over 46.5 points, with a projected final score of Central Michigan 34 – Massachusetts 17. This projection considers the offensive potential of Central Michigan and the defensive vulnerabilities of Massachusetts.
- Central Michigan vs Massachusetts Prediction: Over 46.5
- Central Michigan vs Massachusetts Score: Central Michigan 34 – Massachusetts 17
