NCAAF · COLGATE at CMICH
Picks close 15 minutes before game time (ET)Your Picks on Colgate vs Central Michigan
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Colgate at Central Michigan: A 22-point spread warrants a pass
Colgate visits Central Michigan for a 2026 college football matchup on September 12 at 1 p.m. ET at Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant. This is the programs' first football meeting.
Colgate is 2-0 after beating Fordham 24-14 and Holy Cross 35-10. The Red Raiders exceeded 400 total yards in both games. Against Holy Cross, Jake Stearney passed for 278 yards and four touchdowns, with Matt Fogler recording six receptions for 153 yards and three touchdowns.
Danny Shaban added 214 rushing yards against Fordham and 94 against Holy Cross. Colgate also held both opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter. Those results document a productive start, but two games do not establish how that production will translate to this matchup.
Central Michigan enters 0-1 following a 38-7 loss at New Mexico. The Chippewas have won five of their past six home games and finished 4-1 at home in 2025. They are also 17-1 against FCS opponents, with 17 consecutive victories.
The Chippewas return 13 starters, including 10 on offense and three on defense, and added 36 transfers. Those roster counts do not establish a depth advantage or predict a winning margin. Their home and FCS records provide context, but neither resolves the 22-point spread.
Central Michigan is priced at -1,844 on the moneyline and -22 (-110) against the spread. Colgate is +1,037 on the moneyline and +22 (-110). The total is 49.5, with over 49.5 (-110) and under 49.5 (-110).
The moneyline identifies Central Michigan as the market favorite. The available evidence does not establish that either spread price offers value, and Colgate's scoreless fourth quarters do not demonstrate an ability to cover here. There is likewise insufficient support for a total recommendation or a precise score forecast. The betting decision is Pass, with no winner or score selection.