Central Michigan (CMU) vs Pittsburgh (Pitt) Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 6, 2025
The Central Michigan Chippewas (1-0) visit Pittsburgh, PA, and Acrisure Stadium on Saturday to play the Pittsburgh Panthers (1-0). Central Michigan defeated San Jose State 16-14 in its first game of the regular season, while Pittsburgh opened the regular season with a 61-9 victory over the Duquesne Dukes. Central Michigan will play without TE Rory Callahan, and Pittsburgh will play without LB Jeremiah Marcelin, LB Jayden Bonsu, RB Derrick Davis Jr, while CB Rashad Battle is questionable. Make sure to read this in-depth Central Michigan Chippewas vs Pittsburgh Panthers prediction. Your ultimate guide to NCAAF excitement—don’t miss our free picks for Central Michigan (CMU) Chippewas vs. Pittsburgh (Pitt) Panthers prediction!
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Central Michigan needs more from its offense, but its defense performed well
The Central Michigan Chippewas scored 16 points in their first game, behind 236 yards rushing and 115 yards passing for 351 yards of total offense, which is currently ranked 31st. Central Michigan's defense gave up just 14 points, allowing 75 yards rushing and 308 yards passing for 383 yards, which is also currently 31st.
Two quarterbacks saw action on opening night for Central Michigan. Angel H Flores threw for 59 yards, and Joe Labas threw for 56 yards. Flores completed each of his three passes while Labas was 5-for-10. Nahree Biggins is leading Central Michigan in rushing with 102 yards, and Tommy McIntosh is the leading receiver with 61 yards. Central Michigan has one rushing touchdown. Defensive back Kalen Carroll and linebacker Dakota Cochran each have seven tackles to lead the defense. Central Michigan’s defense has one sack and two interceptions.
Pittsburgh's offense and defense looked strong in its first game
The Pittsburgh Panthers scored 61 points in their opening game of the regular season, behind 158 yards rushing and 302 yards passing for 460 yards of total offense, which is 11th. Pittsburgh's defense gave up just nine points, on 37 yards rushing and 171 yards passing for a total of 208 yards, which is 9th-best in the nation.
Pittsburgh also used a pair of quarterbacks, with starting QB Eli Holstein throwing for 215 yards with four touchdowns and one interception, while backup Cole Gonzales threw for 87 yards and one touchdown. Desmond Reid leads Pittsburgh in rushing with 66 yards and has scored one touchdown. Bryce Yates has 69 yards receiving to lead Pittsburgh and one touchdown reception. Pittsburgh has scored two rushing and five passing touchdowns. Linebacker Kyle Louis leads the defense with six tackles and two sacks. Pittsburgh's defense has four sacks but has not yet intercepted a pass.
Central Michigan vs. Pitt Pick
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Earle Sports Bets | +2,298.00 |
| 2 |  Ross Benjamin | +1,840.00 |
| 3 |  Rob Vincilleti | +1,757.00 |
| 4 |  David Hess | +1,745.00 |
| 5 |  Dan Kaiser | +987.00 |
Spread Pick for Central Michigan vs. Pitt
- Pittsburgh Panthers to cover (5 units)
The Pittsburgh Panthers will be too much on both sides of the line of scrimmage for the Central Michigan Chippewas to keep pace. Pittsburgh opened the season scoring 61 points on 460 yards of total offense, using a balanced attack with 158 yards rushing and 302 yards passing. Pittsburgh's defense was equally tough in the opening game, allowing just 9 points (14th) and 208 yards (9th). Although Central Michigan won its opener, the Chippewas generated just 16 points and 351 yards of total offense. The offense stalled several times in the red zone, and the Chippewas had to settle for three field goals. The Chippewas' defense was solid, allowing 14 points (19th) and 383 yards (31st), but faces a much stronger offense in Pittsburgh than San Jose State. Pittsburgh has a few injuries, but none that will affect the outcome of this matchup on Saturday.
Over/Under Pick for Central Michigan vs. Pitt
- Under (5 units)
Pittsburgh will score its share of points, evidenced by the 61 points scored against Duquesne last week, but will face a tougher defense in Central Michigan than the Dukes. In addition, Central Michigan struggled to put points on the board in its first game, scoring just 16. The total finished under in that game with a combined 30 points scored. Pittsburgh's defense gave up just 9 points to last week’s opponent, and look for a similar number of points allowed by the Panthers this week
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