Pictured: Joe Labas
If you want more Action Network content, be sure to add us as a preferred source on Google.
The Western Michigan Broncos take on the Central Michigan Chippewas in Mount Pleasant, Mich. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. EDT on ESPN+.
W. Michigan is favored by -6.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -265. The total is set at 43.5 points.
Here’s my Western Michigan vs. Central Michigan prediction and college football pick for Saturday, October 17, 2026.
- Western Michigan vs. Central Michigan Pick: Central Michigan +7 or Better
My Central Michigan vs. Western Michigan best bet is on Central Michigan to cover the spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Be sure to download the Action Network app for more expert picks and analysis!
Western Michigan vs Central Michigan Odds
- Western Michigan vs Central Michigan point spread: W. Michigan -6.5 (-118), C. Michigan +6.5 (-102)
- Western Michigan vs Central Michigan over/under: 43.5 (-105o / -115u)
- Western Michigan vs Central Michigan moneyline: W. Michigan -265, C. Michigan +210
Last year, Central Michigan lost to Akron at home in head coach Matt Drinkall’s first season. He came out and said that loss has kept him up at night for months.
Well, he certainly had the Chips ready to roll in the rematch two weeks ago, as they got their revenge with ease in a 41-17 blowout victory.
Well, I’m sure last year’s loss to Western Michigan has caused even more sleepless nights over the past year. The Broncos ended up winning that game, 24-21, following a 70-yard game-winning drive in the final minutes of the fourth quarter that required multiple fourth-down conversions.
Ultimately, that result may have been the difference between CMU and WMU going to the MAC Championship game. I expect Drinkall to have his team fully focused from the jump at home, where they’ve performed much better this season.
Central Michigan has one of the most run-heavy offenses in the entire country, ranking third in run rate if you exclude the three service academies.
It’s paramount the Chips stay ahead of the chains and avoid too many obvious passing situations for their limited aerial attack.
Similar to what Rice did against WMU, I think the Chips (top-20 in EPA Per Rush) can grind out enough yards on early downs to sustain an adequate number of drives to keep this close against a Western Michigan defense that ranks in the bottom 10 nationally in negative play rate and in the third percentile in Line Yards.
CMU should get a consistent push at the line of scrimmage when on offense.
On the other side of the ball, nobody will confuse CMU’s defense with the ’85 Bears. However, the Chips can hang in there against a very limited Western Michigan offense.
The Broncos will also have their fair share of success on the ground, but I just can’t pass up the touchdown at home in a matchup of two run-heavy snails. Points should come at a premium, which certainly makes the home pup more appealing.
Lastly, don’t be surprised if CMU benefits from some fumble luck.
On the season, Western Michigan has lost only two of its 12 fumbles while recovering four of its opponent’s seven. Conversely, Central Michigan has lost all six of its fumbles while recovering only four of the 10 loose balls from its opponents.
There’s just not much separating all of these MAC teams in 2026. I believe this one will play out similarly to WMU’s game in Buffalo when the Bulls were stopped at the goal line in the final seconds of a 20-17 loss.