Michigan Football Looks to Rebound Against Central Michigan

Michigan vs Central Michigan will take place in Ann Arbor as the Wolverines return home after a humbling loss to Oklahoma, looking to rebound before Big Ten play

Coaching Spotlight: Interim Leadership at Michigan

With Sherrone Moore suspended for two games, Biff Poggi steps in as interim head coach. His main challenge will be to improve Michigan’s offensive execution, particularly along the offensive line, which surrendered three sacks to Oklahoma and failed to sustain consistent drives.

Coaching Note: Poggi Steps in During Moore’s Suspension

Michigan will have a different voice on the sidelines this week. Poggi, who returned to the program this offseason as associate head coach, has been named the interim head coach while Moore serves a two-game suspension stemming from the NCAA’s sign-stealing investigation. He will guide the Wolverines against Central Michigan and Nebraska before Moore returns on October 4 against Wisconsin.

Poggi brings prior head coaching experience from his time at Charlotte and is known as both a program builder and a player-first leader. While his role is temporary, his ability to steady the team and sharpen execution could prove valuable as Michigan looks to stabilize during this key non-conference stretch.

Historical Context: Wolverines Hold Clear Edge

Michigan is 4–0 all-time against Central Michigan, with a combined scoring margin of 285–33. The last meeting came in 2013, when the Wolverines dominated the Chippewas 59–9. Michigan has never scored fewer than 35 points in this series.

Season Snapshot: Michigan vs. Central Michigan

Michigan Wolverines (1–1)

• Week 1: Win vs. New Mexico, 34–17

  • Passing Leader: Bryce Underwood – 251 yards

  • Rushing Leader: Justice Haynes – 159 yards

  • Receptions Leader: Marlin Klein – 93 yards

  • Michigan opened the season strong, leaning on Haynes’ breakout performance on the ground and efficient play-action from Underwood.

• Week 2: Loss at Oklahoma, 24–13

  • Passing Leader: Bryce Underwood – 142 yards

  • Rushing Leader: Justice Haynes – 125 yards

  • Receptions Leader: Donaven McCulley – 91 yards

  • The Wolverines struggled on third downs, and the offensive line failed to protect Underwood against one of the top defenses in the country.

Central Michigan Chippewas (1–1)

• Week 1: Win at San José State, 16–14

  • Passing Leader: Angel Flores – 59 yards

  • Rushing Leader: Nahree Biggins – 102 yards

  • Receptions Leader: Tommy McIntosh – 61 yards

  • A defensive battle that CMU won by controlling possession and getting just enough from the ground game.

• Week 2: Loss at Pittsburgh, 45–17

  • Passing Leader: Joe Labas – 89 yards

  • Rushing Leader: Angel Flores – 18 yards

  • Receptions Leader: Camden Kruisenga – 26 yards

  • The Chippewas were overwhelmed by Pitt’s balanced attack, allowing 340 passing yards while struggling to generate offense of their own.

What It Tells Us

• Michigan has faced the tougher schedule, including a road test against a ranked Oklahoma team, but has clearly identified Justice Haynes as its offensive centerpiece.

• Central Michigan’s passing game has lacked explosiveness, with no quarterback surpassing 150 yards through two games.

• Both teams enter this matchup with something to prove: Michigan needs cleaner offensive execution, while CMU must show it can compete with Power Five speed and physicality.

Michigan’s Offensive Leaders

• Quarterback Bryce Underwood: 30 completions on 55 attempts for 393 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions. Longest pass of 44 yards. Completion rate at 54.5 percent.

• Running Back Justice Haynes: 35 carries for 284 yards (8.1 yards per carry) with 4 touchdowns, including a 75-yard run.

• Wide Receiver Donaven McCulley: 7 receptions for 122 yards (17.4 yards per catch).

• Tight End Marlin Klein: 6 receptions for 93 yards and the team’s only receiving touchdown.

• Kicker Dominic Zvada: Perfect on extra points and 4-for-5 on field goals, with a long of 42 yards.

Central Michigan’s Offensive Leaders

• Quarterback Joe Labas: 16 completions on 24 attempts for 145 yards and 1 touchdown.

• Quarterback Angel Flores: Dual-threat option with 69 passing yards and 48 rushing yards across two games.

• Running Back Nahree Biggins: 27 carries for 112 yards.

• Running Back Trey Cornist: 22 carries for 112 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt, with 1 touchdown.

• Wide Receiver Tommy McIntosh: 4 receptions for 78 yards (19.5 yards per catch).

• Tight End DeCorion Temple: 5 receptions for 36 yards and the team’s only receiving touchdown.

Defense: Michigan vs. Central Michigan

Michigan

• Linebacker Ernest Hausmann: Team leader with 19 total tackles.

• Pass Rush: 4 total sacks (Cole Sullivan with 2, TJ Guy and Enow Etta with 1 each).

• Turnovers: 1 interception (TJ Guy) and 8 passes defended.

Central Michigan

• Linebackers Dakota Cochran and Jordan Kwiatkowski: Each with 12 total tackles.

• Pass Rush: 2 sacks through two games (Michael Heldman and Fernando Sanchez III).

• Turnovers: 1 interception (Brenden Deasfernandes) and 1 fumble recovery.

Matchups to Watch

1. Bryce Underwood vs. Central Michigan’s Secondary

   • Underwood has yet to find consistency, while CMU allowed Pittsburgh to complete 75 percent of its passes. This could be the freshman’s breakout performance.

2. Justice Haynes vs. Central Michigan’s Linebackers

   • Haynes is averaging 8.1 yards per carry. CMU has allowed nearly 5 yards per rush. Expect Michigan to feature its star back early and often.

3. Michigan Front Seven vs. Central Michigan’s Running Game

   • Biggins and Cornist provide balance for CMU’s offense, but Michigan’s linebackers and interior linemen will look to shut them down and force the Chippewas into passing situations.

Injury Notes

• Michigan: Depth at wide receiver is slightly limited due to nagging injuries, but all starters are expected to play.

• Central Michigan: Minor issues along the offensive line, though all key skill players are healthy.

Final Tune-Up Before Big Ten Play

This is Michigan’s last non-conference game before the start of Big Ten play. The Wolverines are 7–2 at home since 2023, but just 3–2 in non-conference games at Michigan Stadium. A win is expected, but how Michigan plays may be just as important as the final score. A polished, decisive performance could build momentum for the conference slate.

Broadcast Information

• Kickoff: Saturday, September 13, 2025 – 3:30 PM ET

• Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan

• TV: Big Ten Network

Prediction: Michigan 41, Central Michigan 13

Michigan’s defense should control the trenches, Justice Haynes is poised for another explosive outing, and Bryce Underwood is likely to post his first multi-touchdown passing game. Central Michigan will compete early but lacks the offensive firepower to sustain drives against Michigan’s defense. Expect the Wolverines to head into Big Ten play with a bounce-back win.