Central Michigan 2023 Future Odds: National Championship, Conference, Regular Season Wins and Player Props

Not a whole lot went Central Michigan’s way in 2022. The Chippewas greatly underwhelmed, failing to make a bowl game under head coach Jim McElwain. Fortunately, a bit of talent is back this season. However, the Chippewas still aren’t projected to be more than a middle-of-the-pack team in the Mid-American Conference. Can they possibly surprise oddsmakers? We break down some key 2023 Central Michigan Chippewas stats in our team preview.

Central Michigan Chippewas At A Glance

Bounceback in the Cards?

Central Michigan looks to rebound after a disappointing season that saw it go 4-8. The Chippewas finished tied for 87th in the country in scoring offense, averaging 24.8 points, and committed 28 turnovers. Only two schools (Rice 32, Northwestern 31) gave the ball away more often.

It also didn’t help that running back Lew Nichols III, the nation’s leading rusher in 2021, was limited to 176 carries. Fixing the offense is a priority for McElwain as he enters his fifth season at the helm. Last year was a significant step back for McElwain, who’d gone a combined 20-13 with two bowl appearances from 2019-21.

Daniel Richardson transferred to FAU, leaving Bert Emanuel Jr. — the son of former NFL wide receiver Bert Emanuel — to grab the reins at quarterback. Emanuel Jr. attempted only eight passes as a freshman, though he did rush for 496 yards and seven touchdowns in just four games.

If Emanuel Jr. is able to take the next step in his development as a passer, the Chippewas should be good enough to surpass expectations and contend for another bowl. Notably, nine starters are back on defense. That should translate to some pretty good 2023 Central Michigan Chippewas stats.

National Championship Odds: Next Question

No, but seriously, is it even worth discussing? Central Michigan is a middle-of-the-road MAC team. At least that’s what it projects to be. Even in the best-case scenario, the Chippewas won’t come close to sniffing the College Football Playoff, let alone the college football championship. Like last season, the Chippewas are a +100000 longshot to win it all. Even that seems too generous.

Conference Odds: Middle of the Pack … At Best?

At +2000, the Chippewas currently have the seventh-longest odds in the MAC, behind the likes of defending champion Toledo (+170), Ohio (+200) and Buffalo (+600). It’s a far cry from this time last year, when they were among the favorites at +550.

The conference has featured a different champion in each of the last four seasons. That, in itself, is encouraging. Still, the Chippewas’ outlook isn’t very favorable. The offense needs a lot of help. Should it remain in the mix, Central Michigan will get Ohio and Toledo to close the regular season. The Chippewas last won the conference in 2009.

Regular Season Wins: More Headline Also

Projected for 7.5 wins, Central Michigan sputtered to a disappointing finish in 2022. This year, expectations are understandably much lower. The non-conference schedule is challenging, starting with a Sept. 1 trip to Michigan State.

The Spartans are currently 14.5-point favorites, per NCAAF odds. The Chippewas also play FCS powerhouse New Hampshire, Notre Dame and South Alabama. MAC play won’t be a picnic either. McElwain has done fairly well overall, with two bowl appearances in four years. However, last year’s failures should be glaring enough to give bettors pause.

To Make Playoffs: Better Luck Another Year

The Chippewas could go undefeated this season, and even then, they still likely would not get enough respect to crack the CFP. Oddsmakers aren’t even entertaining the possibility. That’s simply the reality of playing in the MAC.

For 2023 Central Michigan Chippewas stats, betting odds and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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