Central Michigan vs. Akron: 2025 MAC Football Week 6 Preview
The Central Michigan Chippewas are set to clash with the Akron Zips in Week 6 of the MAC football season. This matchup will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Summa Field, InfoCision Stadium in Akron, Ohio. The game is expected to be streamed on ESPN+, requiring a valid subscription for viewing.
Matchup Overview: Central Michigan vs. Akron
Central Michigan enters this game with a 3-2 record, including a successful debut in the MAC, while Akron is struggling at 1-4 and is still looking for their first conference win. The Chippewas, led by first-year head coach Matt Drinkall, recently achieved a significant win against rival Eastern Michigan, showcasing a robust running game with over 300 rushing yards.
In contrast, Akron faced a tough defeat against Toledo, managing only three points and a total of 148 offensive yards. The Zips will need to recover, especially in light of their offensive inefficiencies. They have struggled to score, averaging less than eight points across their losses to FBS opponents.
Key Player Insights
- Central Michigan Offense:
- Leading Rusher: Nahree Biggins – 242 yards, 1 touchdown
- Quarterback: Angel Flores – 289 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Passing Accuracy: Joe Labas is completing nearly 75% of his passes, with 560 yards and 5 touchdowns.
- Akron Offense:
- Leading Rusher: Jordan Gant – 161 yards and 3 touchdowns against Duquense.
- Quarterback Situation: Ben Finley is recovering from injuries, and his return could boost the team’s chances.
- Alternative QB: Michael Johnson Jr. stepped in against Toledo with limited success.
Defensive Strengths
The defense for Central Michigan has shown improvement, currently ranked 20th nationally in turnovers gained. They have forced six interceptions and two fumbles this season. Standout players include linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski, who leads with 29 tackles.
Akron’s defense, while tested, features notable players like defensive lineman Bruno Dall, who leads the team in tackles for loss and sacks. They will need to elevate their performance to keep the game competitive.
Betting Odds
According to FanDuel, Central Michigan is favored by 7.5 points with an over/under set at 45.5. This reflects the expected disparity in performance based on recent matchups and statistics.
Historical Context
In the all-time series between the Chippewas and Zips, Central Michigan has a commanding lead with a record of 19-10-1 in 30 encounters. The Chippewas have won the last three matchups, with the last Akron victory occurring at home in 2018.
This upcoming game will be crucial for both teams, particularly for Akron as they seek to turn around their season. Each coaching staff brings unique strategies to the field, with Drinkall’s fresh approach versus Joe Moorhead’s extensive experience. All eyes will be on the performance of both squads as they navigate this pivotal conference matchup.
