Central Michigan vs Wyoming Prediction & Betting Tips for Week 3 on 9/19/2026

As we enter Week 3 of the 2026 College Football regular season, the Wyoming Cowboys are set to travel to Mount Pleasant, MI, to take on the Central Michigan Chippewas. Both teams hold a 1-1 record, creating an intriguing battle at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. This game, scheduled for Saturday, September 19, at 1:00 PM, will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Wyoming is looking to bounce back from their 35-13 road loss against Colorado State in Week 1 and build on their 21-13 home victory over Northern Colorado in Week 2. They will aim to secure their first road victory of the season against the Chippewas. Playing in the Mountain West Conference, the Cowboys will be keen to improve their performance on the road.

Central Michigan, representing the Mid-American Conference, will take the field at home, where they previously edged out Colgate with a 13-10 victory. After a tough 38-7 defeat in their season opener against New Mexico, the Chippewas will look to leverage their home-field advantage to continue their winning ways at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The game odds reflect a closely contested encounter, adding an extra layer of excitement to this matchup.

Central Michigan vs Wyoming At a Glance

• Game Location: Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI
• Weather: Outdoor field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium
• Game Time: Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM
• TV Channel: ESPN+
• Wyoming Record: 1-1 (Regular Season)
• Game Odds: Central Michigan Moneyline -119, Wyoming Moneyline -101

Central Michigan Chippewas Ready to Make a Statement

Offensive Overview

The Central Michigan Chippewas have displayed a balanced offensive approach so far this season. Averaging 20 points per game, they rank 74th in scoring. Despite a lower ranking in passing yards at 169th, their ground game stands out with 320 rushing yards, positioning them 69th.

Quarterback Joe Labas leads the team after completing 183 passes for 1,676 yards in the previous season. His ability to manage the game is crucial for Central Michigan's offensive strategy. Running back Brock Townsend, who logged 394 rushing yards last season, is expected to be a key contributor on the ground.

Defensive Strengths

Central Michigan's defense has been a force to reckon with, ranking 10th in sacks with 3 and 3rd in interceptions with 2. Their ability to apply pressure and create turnovers has been a hallmark of their success this season.

With only 48 points conceded, the Chippewas are holding their opponents to low-scoring games. The defense's tenacity will be a focal point against any challenging offense they encounter.

Recent Game Performances

In their recent win against Colgate, the Chippewas managed a narrow victory of 13-10. The team effectively utilized their rushing game, accumulating 201 yards on the ground. However, they struggled in the passing department with only 76 yards.

Their season opener against New Mexico was a different story, as they faced a 38-7 defeat. With only 9 first downs, Central Michigan found it challenging to sustain drives, managing just 30 passing yards and 119 rushing yards.

Injury Concerns

Injuries could impact Central Michigan's performance, with several players sidelined or questionable. Notably, wide receiver Tommy McIntosh is out for the season with a torn ACL, which could limit their passing options.

Linebackers Victor Earl and Elijah Reynolds, along with defensive linemen Rory Callahan and Dominique Maiava, are questionable. Their absence could affect the defense's ability to maintain its high performance.

Betting Trends

• SU - As Favorite: 8-1 in last 9 games (88.9%)
• SU - Home Games: 13-4 in last 17 games (76.5%)
• ATS - Home Games: 7-2 in last 9 games (77.8%)
• SU - After Loss: 6-2 in last 8 games (75.0%)
• O/U - After Win: 17-13 in last 30 games (56.7%)

Wyoming Cowboys Seek to Corral Central Michigan Chippewas

Quarterback Play

The Wyoming Cowboys' quarterback situation has shown some promise with Mason Drube leading the charge. Drube participated in three games during the prior season, where he managed to throw for 187 yards. Landon Sims also added depth to the position with 38 passing yards and one touchdown across four games.

Running Back Depth

Samuel Harris stands out in Wyoming's running back unit, having accumulated 552 rushing yards over 11 games last season. He also contributed one rushing touchdown and showed versatility with 16 receptions. Sam Scott, another vital component, recorded 408 rushing yards and two touchdowns, further strengthening the Cowboys' ground attack.

Receiving Corps

Michael Fitzgerald leads the Cowboys' receiving corps with 228 yards and three touchdowns from the previous season. Jaylen Sargent and Deion DeBlanc provide additional options, with Sargent recording 240 receiving yards over eight games. Eric Richardson and Charlie Coenen also add depth with one touchdown each from last season.

Defensive Outlook

Wyoming's defense has been a solid unit, ranking 36th in points against and 10th in sacks in the current season. Their ability to pressure the quarterback is further evidenced by ranking 3rd in interceptions. While the defense has been effective in causing turnovers, their ranking of 7th in fumbles recovered suggests room for improvement in capitalizing on loose balls.

Special Teams Performance

Erik Sandvik is a reliable presence in the kicking game, having made six field goals and 24 extra points last season. His consistent performance offers stability in close games where every point counts. Special teams could play a crucial role in tight contests, and Sandvik's accuracy will be key.

Team Betting Trends

• SU - As Favorite: Last 18 Games (2022–2026) → 15-3 (83.3%)
• ATS - Totals ≥ 50: Last 8 Games (2024–2025) → 7-1 (87.5%)
• O/U - Totals ≤ 42: Last 13 Games (2021–2025) → 9-4 (69.2%)
• SU - Home Games: Last 26 Games (2022–2026) → 16-10 (61.5%)
• ATS - Home Games: Last 28 Games (2021–2026) → 15-13 (53.6%)

Injury Concerns

The Cowboys will be without several key players, including offensive linemen Jake Davies and Brandt Rice, both sidelined with injuries. The defensive line also suffers a blow with Cody Crawford out for the season. These absences may test Wyoming's depth as they look to maintain their defensive and offensive efficiency.

Overall, the Wyoming Cowboys face a challenging game against Central Michigan, but with a strong running game and solid defensive capabilities, they possess the tools necessary to succeed. The outcome may hinge on how well the Cowboys can overcome their injury concerns and capitalize on their strengths.

Central Michigan vs Wyoming Prediction: Central Michigan -1.5

Central Michigan comes into this game with a strong track record at home, boasting a 13-4 SU record over their last 17 home games. Additionally, they have been reliable as favorites, going 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when favored. The Chippewas' ability to defend their home turf and handle the pressure of being favorites bodes well for them covering the -1.5 spread.

Wyoming, on the other hand, has had mixed results on the road, with a 0-1 record in away games this season. Their defense has been solid, but their offense ranks 118th in passing yards, which may not be enough to overcome Central Michigan's defense. Wyoming's trends as underdogs aren't particularly strong, making it difficult to trust them to cover in this matchup.

The total points scored by both teams this season also suggest that this game might not be high-scoring, aligning with the set total of 39.5. Central Michigan's defense should be capable of limiting Wyoming's offensive output, while their own offense should manage to edge out a win. The Chippewas' recent win over Colgate, though not high-scoring, demonstrated their ability to win close games.

Considering all these factors, Central Michigan -1.5 looks like a solid pick. A projected final score of Central Michigan 24 - Wyoming 20 supports the choice, with the Chippewas covering the spread while keeping the game competitive.

• Central Michigan vs Wyoming Prediction: Central Michigan -1.5
• Central Michigan vs Wyoming Score: Central Michigan 24 - Wyoming 20

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