Michigan Wolverines Face Central Michigan Chippewas in Week 3
No. 23 Michigan returns to Michigan Stadium this Saturday to face Central Michigan in a Week 3 matchup, seeking to rebound after a loss at Oklahoma. The game marks the start of coach Sherrone Moore's two-game suspension related to the Wolverines' sign-stealing scandal, with associate head coach Biff Poggi serving as interim.
Game Details and How to Watch
The Michigan vs. Central Michigan game will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 12 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the game on Big Ten Network and stream it on Fubo.
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 13
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Michigan Stadium -- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- TV: Big Ten Network
- Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Central Michigan's Quarterback Strategy
Central Michigan plans to utilize a three-quarterback system featuring Joe Labas, Angel Flores, and Jadyn Glasser. Coach Matt Drinkall emphasizes that each quarterback brings a unique style to the offense. Labas, a transfer from Iowa, is the primary passer, while Flores and Glaser provide a rushing threat.
"The cool part is that [Labas, Flores and Glaser] don't come in and do one thing or like three things. Each of them runs the whole offense, but each of them has their own personal way they operate it, their own flavor to it." - Matt Drinkall
Key Storylines
Drinkall has faced Michigan before, nearly upsetting them in 2019 as part of the Army staff. The Wolverines have a strong record at home against unranked nonconference opponents, a streak Drinkall hopes to challenge. Running back Justice Haynes has been a standout for Michigan, recording consecutive 100-yard performances. Meanwhile, both teams are looking to improve their third-down conversion rates. Michigan's offensive line will also have to step up.
Injury Report: Key Players Questionable for Michigan
Several Michigan players are listed as out or questionable for the game against Central Michigan. Notable players listed as questionable include CB Shamari Earls, QB Mikey Keene, CB Zeke Berry, LB Ernest Hausmann, TE Marlin Klein, S Rod Moore, and DL Ike Iwunnah. Rod Moore's potential participation marks his first game action since the National Championship Game.
Players ruled out include WR I’Marion Stewart, CB Caleb Anderson, QB Davis Warren, and multiple other defensive backs, running backs, linebackers, and offensive linemen.
Game Notes and Stats
Michigan concludes its non-conference schedule with this game. The Wolverines are looking to maintain a strong home record. Several players earned their first starts in the previous game against Oklahoma. The offense has shown improvement in explosive plays, led by Justice Haynes and others. Michigan is winning the turnover battle. Ernest Hausmann leads the defense in tackles, while Cole Sullivan has emerged as a playmaker.
- Justice Haynes has 284 rushing yards through two starts.
- Ernest Hausmann leads the defense with 19 tackles.
- Cole Sullivan is a playmaker on defense and special teams.
Prediction
This marks the fifth all-time meeting between Michigan and Central Michigan. Central Michigan's defense struggled against Pitt, giving up significant yardage. Expect quarterback Bryce Underwood to have a strong performance in a dominant Michigan victory. Pick: Michigan -27.5
