Preview: Central Michigan vs. Northwestern in Detroit DETROIT (Interstat) — Two teams seeking a winning record will meet in a nonconference postseason matchup when Central Michigan faces Northwestern on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, at Ford Field. The Chippewas (7-5) enter as the designated visiting team after closing their regular season with a 21-3 home loss to Toledo on Nov. 29. Quarterback Joe Labas passed for 242 yards in that defeat, and running back Brock Townsend provided 68 rushing yards. Central Michigan had won three straight prior to that, including decisive victories over Kent State and Buffalo in mid-November. The Wildcats (6-6), the designated home team, also concluded their schedule on Nov. 29 with a loss, falling 20-13 at Illinois. In that game, quarterback Preston Stone threw for 163 yards and a touchdown, while tight end Robby Preckel added an unexpected 82 rushing yards on a single carry. The game at the Detroit Lions’ stadium offers a regional showcase for Central Michigan, located approximately 140 miles north in Mount Pleasant. Northwestern, from the Big Ten Conference, will face a Mid-American Conference opponent that has shown offensive potency, averaging over 30 points per game in its five victories since October. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, this contest projects as a high-scoring affair, with a predicted final of Central Michigan 31, Northwestern 28. Despite the close projected margin, betting markets have installed Northwestern as a 10.5-point favorite. The over/under for total points is set at 42.5. Both teams have demonstrated resilience. Northwestern’s season includes a notable upset of then-Penn State on Oct. 11 and a narrow 24-22 loss to Michigan on Nov. 15. Central Michigan rebounded from a 1-3 start to win six of its next eight games before the regular-season finale. The Friday afternoon kickoff will provide one of the final college football contests of the calendar year.