Gamethread/How to watch Northwestern football vs. Central Michigan: TV, streaming, radio, odds, injury report

Date and Time: Friday, December 26, 2025 – Kickoff at 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT)
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Records: Northwestern (6-6, 4-5 Big Ten) vs. Central Michigan (7-5, 5-3 MAC)

This is a classic Big Ten vs. MAC matchup in the GameAbove Sports Bowl (formerly known as the Quick Lane Bowl). Northwestern, under third-year head coach David Braun, earned bowl eligibility despite a tough schedule and aims for a winning record. Central Michigan, in its first bowl since 2021 under first-year coach Matt Drinkall, relies on a strong defense and run-heavy offense. The teams last met in 2010, with Northwestern winning 30-25

TV: ESPN
Announcers: Matt Schumacker (play-by-play), Dustin Fox (analyst), Ashley Stroehlein (sideline)
Streaming:
ESPN app or ESPN.com (with cable login)
Fubo (free trial available)
DirecTV Stream (free trial available)
Sling
Other services carrying ESPN
Radio:
Northwestern: WGN Radio 720 AM (Chicago area); SiriusXM channel 372
Central Michigan: WUPS-FM 98.5 (Mount Pleasant); WXYT-AM 1270 (Detroit area); SiriusXM channel 84

Spread: Northwestern -10.5 to -12.5 (favored)
Over/Under: 43 to 43.5
Moneyline: Northwestern around -425; Central Michigan +320
Expect a low-scoring, ground-and-pound game—both teams prefer running the ball and playing strong defense. Northwestern’s defense ranks top-35 nationally in yards allowed, while Central Michigan forces turnovers at a high rate (+8 margin).

This is a postseason finale for both programs. Northwestern looks to extend its active bowl win streak (won five straight entering this game), while Central Michigan seeks its first bowl victory since 2021. Key players to watch:
Northwestern: RB Caleb Komolafe (expected back), QB Preston Stone
Central Michigan: DL Michael Heldman, LB Jordan Kwiatkowski, QB options (Joe Labas/Angel Flores)
Predictions lean toward Northwestern covering, but Central Michigan’s defense could keep it close in a de facto home game (many Michigan natives on the roster).
Enjoy the game—perfect post-Christmas football!