Central Michigan Athletics
It’s back to the Big House on Saturday as Michigan welcomes Central Michigan for a noon kickoff on Big Ten Network. The matchup marks the fifth all-time meeting between the Wolverines and Chippewas, and like the previous four, it’ll be played in Ann Arbor. Michigan has owned the series, holding a 4-0 edge and outscoring CMU 285-33, including a 59-9 rout in 2013.
This game also carries a milestone — it will be the 600th televised contest in school history.
Wolverines Enter with Momentum
Despite a tough early-season trip to Oklahoma, Michigan has shown some encouraging signs under Sherrone Moore. Justice Haynes has burst onto the scene with back-to-back 100-yard rushing games (159 and 125 yards) and three runs of over 50 yards already, including a 75-yard score in Norman. His 284 rushing yards through two games are the most by a Michigan back in his first two career starts since at least 2000.
The passing game is still finding its footing behind freshman starter Bryce Underwood, who has 393 yards and one touchdown on 30-of-55 passing. Donaven McCulley has emerged as his favorite target, leading the team with 122 receiving yards. The offense has already notched 10 plays of 20-plus yards through two weeks — a step up from last season’s lack of explosiveness.
Defensively, linebacker Ernest Hausmann has been everywhere with a team-best 19 tackles. Fellow linebacker Cole Sullivan has been a difference-maker too, registering two sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery in just two games. The Wolverines have also been opportunistic, forcing four interceptions and a fumble while allowing just one turnover all season.
Central Michigan’s Challenge
The Chippewas come in looking to change history. CMU has never beaten Michigan, but the program is no stranger to big-stage battles. Head coach Jim McElwain’s squad will need to find ways to slow Haynes while also testing a Wolverine defense that’s holding opponents to just 2.8 yards per carry.
Key Storylines to Watch
- Can Haynes continue his torrid pace and record a third straight 100-yard rushing game?
- How will Underwood continue to grow in his third start, especially in front of the home crowd?
- Will Michigan’s defense keep forcing turnovers at its current pace?
- Can the Chippewas hang around, or will history repeat itself in Ann Arbor?
The Bottom Line
Michigan has dominated the MAC historically (36-1 all-time, all in Ann Arbor), and Central Michigan hasn’t shown in past meetings that it can keep things close. Still, for Moore’s team, this is about more than just the scoreboard — it’s about growth. With Big Ten play looming, the Wolverines will want to clean up execution, keep building confidence in their young quarterback, and let their playmakers continue to shine.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
