Overview
- Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET at Ford Field with national TV coverage on ESPN and streaming via the ESPN app and Fubo.
- Sportsbooks peg Northwestern around -10.5 with the total near 42.5–43.5, reflecting expectations for a lower-scoring game.
- Central Michigan plans its two-quarterback approach, and with Angel Flores available the rushing attack averaged roughly 201.6 yards per game compared with about 102.3 without him.
- Computer projections and expert picks largely favor Northwestern to win, though some analysis expects Central Michigan to cover the double-digit spread.
- Northwestern enters at 6–6 with a top-40 scoring defense and a five-game bowl winning streak, while 7–5 Central Michigan seeks a debut-season bowl win under first-year coach Matt Drinkall.