The Central Michigan Chippewas take on the San Jose State Spartans in San Jose, California. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
San Jose State is favored by 13.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -520. Central, Michigan, meanwhile, comes in at +400 to pull off the upset. The total is set at 51.5 points.
Here are my Central Michigan vs. San Jose State prediction and college football picks for Friday, August 29.
Central Michigan vs San Jose State Prediction
- Central Michigan vs. San Jose State Pick: Under 51.5
My San Jose State vs. Central Michigan best bet is on both teams to go under the total. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Central Michigan vs San Jose State Odds
| Central Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+13.5 -108 | 51.5 -115o / -105u | +400 |
| San Jose State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-13.5 -112 | 51.5 -115o / -105u | -520 |
- Central Michigan vs San Jose State point spread: San Jose State -13.5 (-112), Central Michigan +13.5 (-108)
- Central Michigan vs San Jose State over/under: 51.5 (-115o / -105u)
- Central Michigan vs San Jose State moneyline: Central Michigan +400, San Jose State -520
Central Michigan vs San Jose State College Football Betting Preview
Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Preview: In Comes Drinkall
Last season was a down year for Central Michigan, but new head coach Matt Drinkall is determined to make the Chippewas a threat in the MAC in 2025.
Drinkall comes over from the Army, and he should benefit from many returning starters, specifically on the defensive side of the ball.
The defense returns seven starters, including a strong linebacker corps with Dakota Cochran and Jordan Kwiatkowski. That's a considerable plus early on in the season, as the entire defensive unit should gel by the time MAC play comes around.
San Jose State is expected to be a top team in the Mountain West, but I hope the Chips should forth a strong effort on the defensive side of the ball. The Spartans are missing some key offensive players from last season, including star wide receiver Nick Nash, so it may not be as daunting a task to stifle this offense as many public perceivers deem.
Offensively, MCU also has some key starters returning. Quarterback Joe Labas and two starting offensive linemen return. However, there are questions in the skill positions that need to be addressed, so I'm skeptical about how the offense will perform.
Wide receiver Tyson Davis returns after missing last season due to injury, which should help Labas in the early going. Running back Trey Cornist transfers in from Tulane and is expected to begin the season as the lead back.
I have too many questions on the offensive side of the ball. The Chips could sneak in the back door for a cover late, but I would much rather take an alternative approach.
San Jose State Spartans Betting Preview: Guess Who's Back?
Quarterback Walker Eget returns for the Spartans after taking over as the full-time starter midseason in 2024. Eget finished the season with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions and posted a strong showing in the Hawaii Bowl.
Head coach Ken Niumatalolo employed a run-heavy approach toward the end of last season, which helped Eget out in the passing game. I expect a similar philosophy, especially with three key offensive line starters returning.
The Spartans will have the offensive edge in the matchup, but I wouldn't expect as explosive an effort as many deem. The Chippewas defense is entering the year flying under the radar, and we could see some offensive struggles from the Spartans throughout the matchup.
This was a powerful defensive group last season. However, with several departing pieces, I expect the Spartans to take a step back.
The defense will still be a strong unit, but replicating last season's success won't be easy. However, they should be fine in this matchup since the CMU offense still has some kinks to work out.
Central Michigan vs San Jose State Pick, Betting Analysis
Both teams have roughly 55% of overall returning production, but I expect this to be a lower-scoring contest. These head coaches come from service academies that emphasize pounding the rock; I would not expect that philosophy to change.
The Spartans offense had great success with their run-heavy approach last season, so Niumatalolo should continue to lean on that ground game.
The Chips should also have a similar slow-tempo, rush-heavy offensive mindset, so there's going to be a lot of clock churning throughout the matchup.
I'm also concerned about CMU's ability to move the ball consistently with so much uncertainty. I'm confident that both defenses will hold their own, and I want to grab this under before it dips below the key number of 51.
Pick: Under 51.5 (Play to 50)
