Central Michigan vs Colgate Prediction & Betting Tips for Week 2 on 9/12/2026

In Week 2 of the 2026 College Football season, the Colgate Raiders head to Kelly/Shorts Stadium to compete against the Central Michigan Chippewas. Both teams are looking to bounce back from losses in their respective season openers, aiming to secure their first victory of the season. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ at 1:00 PM, providing fans with a chance to see if either team can turn their early season misfortune around.

The Colgate Raiders come into this game without a win so far, having lost their season opener against the Syracuse Orange 66-24. With a road record of 0-1, the Raiders are looking to improve and make adjustments on both sides of the ball to compete effectively against the Chippewas. Despite the challenges, this game offers a fresh opportunity for Colgate to demonstrate resilience and execute their game plan with precision.

Central Michigan is also seeking redemption after falling to the New Mexico Lobos 38-7 in their first game of the season. Playing at home for the first time this season at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, the Chippewas hope to leverage home-field advantage to capture a win. After struggling offensively in their last outing, they will aim to improve their offensive production and tighten their defensive schemes to secure a favorable result.

Central Michigan vs Colgate At a Glance

• Game Location: Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI
• Broadcast: Available on ESPN+ at 1:00 PM on September 12, 2026
• Betting Odds: Central Michigan heavily favored with a moneyline of -3333
• Point Spread: Central Michigan favored by 24.5 points
• Colgate Raiders Record: 0-1 in the current season
• Central Michigan Chippewas Record: 0-1 in the current season

Central Michigan Chippewas Set for Redemption at Kelly/Shorts Stadium

Offensive Overview

The Central Michigan Chippewas have started the 2026 season slowly on offense, putting up just 7 points in their opener against New Mexico. They recorded 30 passing yards, which ranks them at 150th nationally, indicating a significant area for improvement. Rushing proved slightly more productive with 119 yards, placing them 90th in the nation.

First downs were another struggle, with only 9 achieved in their first game, a performance that ranks them 35th. These offensive metrics highlight areas where the Chippewas must elevate their performance to compete effectively this season.

Defensive Standpoint

Defensively, the Chippewas allowed 38 points against New Mexico, positioning them 30th nationally in terms of points allowed. Their defense displayed strength in the pass rush, with 2 sacks ranking them 6th. However, they are yet to register any interceptions or fumbles recovered, ranking 1st and 3rd respectively in these categories.

Given the defensive prowess in generating pressure, the Chippewas will aim to convert these opportunities into turnovers. This could prove pivotal in their upcoming games to balance the offensive challenges they currently face.

Key Players to Watch

Quarterback Jadyn Glasser leads the Chippewas under center and has room to enhance his output, having thrown for just 16 yards on 10 attempts. Backup QB Angel Flores, who also saw some action, aims to contribute more effectively if called upon. Running backs Vaughn Blue and Jayden Clerveaux will be pivotal in boosting the ground game, having rushed for 25 and 18 yards respectively.

In the receiving corps, Justin Ruffin Jr. and Nasir Williams have the potential to be dynamic playmakers. Ruffin Jr. hauled in 3 catches, while Williams added another. Tight end Jaden Allen also offers a reliable target, grabbing one reception in the opener.

Injury Concerns

The Chippewas are dealing with notable injuries, including wide receiver Tommy McIntosh, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. Defensive lineman Joey VanWetzinga will also miss the season due to an undisclosed injury.

These absences present opportunities for other players to step up and fill the void, particularly in key roles on both sides of the ball. The team will need to adjust quickly to these setbacks as they progress through the season.

Upcoming Games

Central Michigan's upcoming schedule features a home game against the Colgate Raiders, where they are a -25.5-point favorite. Following this, they will host the Wyoming Cowboys, before hitting the road to face the Miami Hurricanes. These games provide opportunities for the Chippewas to rebound from their opening loss.

The Chippewas' performance at home will be critical, especially as they hold a strong record when playing as favorites in recent years. These games offer a chance to build momentum and improve their standings early in the season.

Betting Trends

• SU - Totals ≥ 50: Last 4 Games (2024–2025) → 4-0 (100.0%)
• ATS - Totals ≥ 50: Last 4 Games (2024–2025) → 4-0 (100.0%)
• SU - As Favorite: Last 8 Games (2024–2025) → 7-1 (87.5%)
• ATS - Home Games: Last 8 Games (2024–2025) → 7-1 (87.5%)
• ATS - As Favorite: Last 3 Games (2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
• SU - Home Games: Last 16 Games (2023–2025) → 12-4 (75.0%)
• ATS - All Games: Last 15 Games (2024–2026) → 10-5 (66.7%)
• O/U - As Favorite: Last 10 Games (2024–2025) → 7-3 (70.0%)

Colgate Raiders Prepare for Tough Road Test

Quarterback Situation

The Colgate Raiders enter their upcoming game with two quarterbacks, Zach Osborne and Jake Stearney, having split time in their previous outing. Osborne attempted 28 passes for 135 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Stearney threw 20 passes, accumulating 148 yards and two touchdowns without any interceptions, showcasing a slightly more efficient performance.

Running Backs Contribution

In the backfield, Cole Fulton led the charge with 72 rushing yards and one touchdown in the previous game. Danny Shaban and Brendan Cassamajor also contributed, though with less yardage, gaining 32 and 8 yards respectively. Their ability to move the chains on the ground will be crucial in the Raiders' offensive game plan.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Treyvhon Saunders was the standout wide receiver with 11 receptions for 105 yards, providing a reliable target for the quarterbacks. Winston Moore and Brady Hutchison added to the receiving corps, with 3 and 2 receptions respectively. Tight ends Mason Mozo and Aleks Sitkowski combined for a modest contribution, with Mozo recording a single reception for 7 yards.

Defensive Struggles

The Raiders' defense faced challenges in their recent 66-24 loss to Syracuse. They allowed a high number of points, showing vulnerability in both the passing and rushing defense. Despite these challenges, the defense did manage to recover one fumble and intercept one pass, showing potential for playmaking under pressure.

Special Teams Performance

On special teams, kicker Luke Vogeler made all three extra points and one field goal attempt. His consistent performance could play a pivotal role in close games. The Raiders will need to rely on his accuracy as they aim to capitalize on every scoring opportunity.

Team Betting Trends

• O/U - All Games: 4-0 (100.0%) in the last 4 games
• O/U - As Underdog: 4-0 (100.0%) in the last 4 games
• O/U - Away Games: 4-0 (100.0%) in the last 4 games
• O/U - After Loss: 4-0 (100.0%) in the last 4 games
• ATS - All Games: 3-2 (60.0%) in the last 5 games

Upcoming Game Challenges

Colgate will need to address defensive weaknesses while finding ways to maintain offensive momentum. The team is listed as 25.5-point underdogs, highlighting the uphill battle they face. Success will depend on a balanced attack and improved defensive performance.

Central Michigan vs Colgate Prediction: Central Michigan -24.5

Central Michigan Chippewas are set to host the Colgate Raiders at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The Chippewas are coming off a tough 7-38 loss to New Mexico and will look to rebound at home where they have shown strong performance trends as favorites. With a home ATS record of 7-1 over their last eight games, Central Michigan has been reliable against the spread in similar situations.

The Chippewas have a robust trend as home favorites, especially when the total is over 50, with a perfect 4-0 record in such situations in recent years. Their ability to cover the spread, especially after a loss, aligns well with their need to bounce back strongly in this matchup. Colgate, on the other hand, struggled defensively last season, allowing 66 points to Syracuse, which could be a factor again against a stronger opponent like Central Michigan.

Colgate's recent performance on the road as underdogs has been inconsistent, and their 0-3 straight-up record in their last few games as road underdogs reflects that struggle. While they have covered the spread in 60% of their recent games, the Chippewas' strong home performance and better-quality opposition suggest they have a good chance to cover the large spread.

Given Central Michigan's solid home trends and Colgate's defensive vulnerabilities, a comfortable victory for Central Michigan seems likely. I project Central Michigan to win decisively with a final score of Central Michigan 45 - Colgate 10, covering the 24.5-point spread.

• Central Michigan vs Colgate Prediction: Central Michigan -24.5
• Central Michigan vs Colgate Score: Central Michigan 45 - Colgate 10

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