The 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl pits the Central Michigan Chippewas (MAC) against the Northwestern Wildcats (Big Ten) in a postseason matchup featuring two teams looking to end their seasons on a high note. Central Michigan enters with a 7-5 record, while Northwestern sits at 6-6. This game marks a rare clash between the programs, with Northwestern holding a historical edge.
Venue Location
Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan. This domed stadium, home to the NFL’s Detroit Lions, ensures an indoor environment, shielding the game from external weather conditions.
Kickoff is set for
1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT). The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Note: While the query specifies December 25, all official sources confirm December 26 as the date.
Injury Report
Both teams have dealt with key absences throughout the season, potentially affecting depth in this bowl game.
- Central Michigan Chippewas: Linebacker Jacob Iannuzzi is out for the remainder of the 2025 season with an undisclosed injury. Running back Jakivion Calip, tight end Rory Callahan, quarterback Jadyn Glasser, and running back Jason Philpot-Dixon are also listed on injury reports, though their statuses for the game remain unclear—monitor for updates closer to kickoff. The Chippewas have shown resilience despite these issues, but any limitations at RB or QB could strain their offense.
- Northwestern Wildcats: Defensive lineman George Karlaftis is out for the season with an undisclosed injury. Running back Cam Porter, a key offensive contributor, is sidelined for the year after suffering a season-ending ACL injury in Week 2. Running back Joseph Himon II is questionable with a lower-body injury, and his availability is uncertain. Running back Caleb Komolafe is expected to return, providing a boost to the ground game. Defensive lineman Anto Saka is out for personal reasons.
Key Player Matchups
This game could hinge on Northwestern’s defensive front against Central Michigan’s run-heavy offense, as well as how each team’s quarterback handles pressure.
- CMU RB Marion Lukes (or Jakivion Calip, if healthy) vs. NW LB Mac Uihlein: Lukes has been a steady producer for CMU’s ground attack, but if Calip is limited, the burden increases. Uihlein leads Northwestern in tackles and will aim to stuff the run, forcing CMU into passing situations.
- NW RB Caleb Komolafe vs. CMU LB Jordan Kwiatkowski: Komolafe has rushed for 886 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, stepping up after Porter’s injury. Kwiatkowski, CMU’s top tackler, must contain him to keep the game close.
- CMU QB Joe Labas vs. NW Secondary (CB Fred Davis II): Labas has managed the Chippewas’ offense efficiently but faces a Big Ten secondary led by Davis. Turnovers could decide this low-scoring affair.
- NW QB Ryan Boe vs. CMU DL Dakota Cochran: Boe, a freshman, has shown flashes but is inexperienced. Cochran’s pass rush could disrupt Northwestern’s rhythm.
Other notables: CMU WR Tyson Davis and NW WR A.J. Henning could exploit mismatches in the passing game.
Recent Team Forms
- Central Michigan (7-5, 5-3 MAC): The Chippewas started 1-2 with a narrow win over San Jose State (16-14) followed by blowout losses to Pittsburgh (17-45) and Michigan (3-63). They rebounded with a 5-3 conference record, showing grit in close games but struggling against Power Four opponents. Recent form: Won 4 of their last 6, including a strong finish to secure bowl eligibility.
- Northwestern (6-6, 4-5 Big Ten): The Wildcats had an up-and-down year in a tough conference, mixing wins against mid-tier teams with losses to top contenders. They went 4-1 in their last 5 games straight up per some metrics, but overall form shows inconsistency (1-4 SU in last 5 per others). They earned bowl eligibility with key Big Ten victories but lack explosive offense.
Conference vs. Conference (MAC vs. Big Ten).
Big Ten teams have historically dominated non-conference matchups against MAC squads, with superior depth and recruiting. In 2025 bowl games, Big Ten programs are favored in similar cross-conference tilts, emphasizing physicality over MAC speed.
Series History
The teams have met once, in 2010, with Northwestern winning 30-25 in Evanston. Central Michigan covered as a +6 underdog in that game, but Northwestern holds a 1-0 series lead. No other historical matchups exist.
Betting Trends
- Central Michigan: 5-1 ATS in last 6 games; 6-3 SU in last 9; but 0-8 SU in last 8 as heavy underdogs. Strong as dogs in bowls historically.
- Northwestern: 4-1 SU in last 5 games; 3-2 ATS in last 5; 1-2 in road/neutral games ATS. Favored in bowls but inconsistent covering double digits.
- Game-Specific: Public leaning Northwestern, but sharp bettors trickling on CMU +10.5. Unders have hit in 7 of last 10 MAC vs. Big Ten bowls.
Historical Betting Results
With only one prior matchup (2010: Northwestern 30-25), betting history is limited. Northwestern won SU but failed to cover as -6 favorites (push or loss depending on line variation). Central Michigan has a 1-0 ATS record in the series. In broader context, Big Ten teams are 12-4 ATS vs. MAC in bowls over the last decade.
Game Odds
Central Michigan Chippewas 43.5
Northwestern Wildcats – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, December 25, 2025
