Colgate vs Central Michigan Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 12, 2026

Colgate visits Central Michigan on Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, with the opening kickoff at 1:00 PM ET and televised on ESPN+. Colgate is 2-0 after beating Holy Cross 35-10 and Fordham 24-14. Central Michigan is 0-1 after a 38-7 road loss to New Mexico. Check out our free NCAAF picks.

Colgate Building on a Strong Start

Colgate has scored 59 points across two victories, with Jake Stearney leading a productive passing attack. Stearney has completed 32 of 50 passes for 437 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. The Raiders average 224.5 passing yards, while the rushing attack averages 213.5 yards. Danny Shaban has been the main threat on the ground, rushing for 308 yards and three touchdowns on 45 carries while averaging 6.8 yards per attempt.

Matt Fogler has been Stearney's top receiving option with 10 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns, including a 64-yard reception. Winston Moore has added 99 yards and one touchdown on six catches. Colgate's defense has three interceptions, with Christian Magliacano, Tymir Wynn and Zach Jones each recording one. Trooper Price and Magliacano share the team lead with 14 tackles, while Jordan Edgecomb has the Raiders' lone sack. Colgate has allowed 24 total points.

Injuries: No injuries to report.

Central Michigan Searching for an Offensive Response

Central Michigan scored seven points in its 38-7 loss at New Mexico and finished with 149 total offensive yards. Jadyn Glasser completed 4 of 10 passes for 16 yards, while Angel Flores completed 3 of 6 for 14 yards with one interception. The Chippewas finished with only 30 passing yards and were sacked three times. Central Michigan gained 119 rushing yards on 32 attempts, with Flores leading the team at 27 yards on 10 carries.

Vaughn Blue rushed for 25 yards on three attempts, while Nasir Williams scored Central Michigan's only touchdown on a 23-yard run. Williams also led the receiving group with 11 yards. Defensively, the Chippewas recorded two sacks. Korver Demma had one, while Jaion Jackson and Jaxon Cherry each recorded half a sack. Darrell Bryant Jr. led Central Michigan with nine tackles and forced a fumble, while Xavier White finished with eight tackles.

Injuries: No injuries to report.

Key to the Game

Colgate's rushing attack against Central Michigan's defensive front could decide how this matchup develops. The Raiders average 213.5 rushing yards, and Shaban has already gained 308 yards at 6.8 yards per attempt. Central Michigan needs to slow Shaban early and put Stearney in obvious passing situations, where his three interceptions become more relevant. The Chippewas also need longer possessions from an offense that produced only 149 yards against New Mexico. Another short offensive performance would place considerable pressure on Central Michigan's defense.

Colgate vs Central Michigan Game Pick

• Colgate

Colgate is the pick after opening with two victories and showing much more offensive production than Central Michigan. The Raiders have a strong rushing option in Danny Shaban, who has gained 308 yards while averaging 6.8 yards per attempt. Jake Stearney has also thrown for 437 yards and four touchdowns. Central Michigan managed only 149 total yards and seven points against New Mexico. With the Chippewas struggling to move the ball, Colgate has enough balance on offense and defensive playmaking to win this matchup outright on Saturday.

Colgate vs Central Michigan Over/Under Pick

• Under

Under is the pick because Central Michigan's offense produced only seven points, 30 passing yards and 149 total yards against New Mexico. The Chippewas could have trouble sustaining drives against a Colgate defense that has allowed 24 points and recorded three interceptions. Colgate has plenty of offensive production, but the Raiders do not need a high-scoring game if Central Michigan struggles again. Danny Shaban and the Colgate rushing attack can also use longer possessions, making a lower-scoring matchup the likelihood for Saturday's game.