Central Michigan vs San José State Prediction 8/29/2025 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article we will formulate a Central Michigan vs San Jose State prediction for this College Football game on Friday, August 29th at CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 1 matchup. 

Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Preview

The Central Michigan Chippewas went 4-8 (2-6) last year and they finished tied for ninth in the MAC standings with Eastern Michigan and Ball State. Central Michigan opened up the 2024 season with a 66-10 win over Central Connecticut State, but did lose the next game by a score of 52-16 against FIU. CMU picked up wins over Central Connecticut State, Ball State, San Diego State, and Western Michigan, while they lost to FIU, Illinois, Ohio, Eastern Michigan, Miami (OH), Bowling Green, Toledo, and Northern Illinois. Central Michigan finished last year with almost no momentum, as they lost six of their last seven games. The Chippewas scored 22.6 points per game, which was ranked 108th in the country, while they allowed 29.7 points against per game, which was ranked 98th. 

This season, Central Michigan welcomes in a new head coach, as McElwain is out after a rough tenure. The Chippewas have a quarterback battle on their hands and I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw both QBs in this one. Central Michigan’s offensive line has some major question marks, as does their running game, and if that wasn’t enough, they lost their top receivers from 2024. The CMU defense had a bunch of struggles last year, but they should be improved this season after adding a few pieces from the portal. I think Central Michigan will have a better record in 2025, but they might get off to a slow start. 

San Jose State Spartans Betting Preview

The San Jose State Spartans were 7-6 (3-4) last season and they finished tied for fifth in the Mountain West standings with New Mexico, Hawaii, Utah State, and Air Force. San Jose State opened the 2024 season with a 42-24 win over Sacramento State and they started the season with a 3-0 record. The Spartans picked up wins over Sacramento State, Air Force, Kennesaw State, Nevada, Wyoming, Oregon State, and Stanford, while they lost to Washington State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Boise State, and UNLV. San Jose State did go to the Hawaii Bowl, where they lost a thriller in overtime by a score of 41-39 against South Florida. SJSU scored 28.4 points per game, which was 63rd in the nation, while they allowed 27.5 points against per game, which was 84th. 

This year, San Jose State will look to build on a successful 2024, and Coach Niumatalolo will look to add another winning season to his resume. The Spartans will have Walker Eget at quarterback, who was very solid for them in 2024. San Jose State doesn’t really run the ball at all, but their offensive line should be improved and the receiving room added plenty of pieces in the portal. On defense, San Jose State was fantastic at forcing turnovers last year, which helped cover up for a spotty defense. I expect more of the same from the defense this season, but if they don’t force the turnovers, it could get ugly on this side of the ball. 

Why San Jose State will beat Central Michigan

• Central Michigan has lost each of its last 10 road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• The favorite has won each of San Jose State’s last 20 games at CEFCU Stadium.
• The favorite has covered the spread in each of San Jose State’s last four games.
• Central Michigan has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last 10 road games against non-AP-ranked teams.

Total Points Facts

• Four of San Jose State’s last five games against opponents from the Mid-American Conference have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Ten of Central Michigan’s last 13 road openers have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• San Jose State ranked 131st among FBS teams for rushing yards per game last season (88.1).
• San Jose State ranked 131st among FBS teams for time of possession per game last season (26:12).
• Central Michigan ranked 8th among FBS teams for red zone percentage last season (92.1).
• Central Michigan ranked 124th among FBS teams for passing yards per game last season (163.4).

Central Michigan vs San Jose State Prediction 

I feel like Central Michigan comes into this season with plenty of hope, but San Jose State comes in with some expectations and the way better roster. I think the Spartans are going to have a huge day through the air and Central Michigan won’t be good enough to attack their very average defense. Take the Spartans to cover at home.