It’s time for a get-right game for the Michigan Wolverines after a loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman in Week 2. Sherrone Moore begins his two-game self-imposed suspension, as Biff Poggi will take over as interim head coach.
Up next is Central Michigan. Former Michigan assistant Jim McElwain retired as the Chippewas’ head coach this offseason. New head coach Matt Drinkall, the former offensive line coach at Army West Point, is hoping to instill physicality and toughness for the Chippewas as they
attempt to gain some steam in the MAC.
The Chips are also coming off a loss after being drubbed late in the second half by Pitt last week, 45-17. Central Michigan’s defense allowed 464 yards, including 340 passing in a game that the Panthers pulled away from late. CMU’s running game was limited to just 40 yards on 41 attempts.
That’s the kind of performance the Wolverines expect to put on the Chips for the second straight week. In writing this article, and looking into Central Michigan’s roster a little further, there is no reason this game should be even remotely close. That’s part of the reason the maize and blue are favored by four touchdowns.
I say this with respect as I know there are several folks who probably root for both the Chips and Wolverines, but I struggled to even put together three guys who could make a meaningful impact in this game for the visitors. But the season-long series asks for it, so you’ll get it. Here are three Chips to watch against Michigan on Saturday.
LB Jordan Kwiatkowski
There is no doubt in my mind Kwiatkowski is the best player on this team. He’s the only player from the program on Phil Steele’s 2025 preseason All-MAC first team. He was a second-teamer last season after leading the team with 96 tackles and 14 tackles for loss.
Along with the praise from Steele, Kwiatkowski was also named to the Bronco Nagurski Award (best defensive player) and Dick Butkus Award (best linebacker) preseason watchlists. His play to open 2025 has backed that up, being tied for the team lead with 12 tackles. In the season-opening win over San Jose State, he made several key plays that contributed to the victory.
CMU won’t be afraid to line him up in a two point stance anywhere in the box, so be prepared for the Wolverines offensive line to see him coming from several different angles.
TE DeCorion Temple
When you have an offense that struggles to move the ball, having a big-bodied tight end to go up snag a football through the air has a ton of value. That’s D.C. Temple for CMU.
At 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, Temple creates difficult matchup scenarios for opponents. That’s why he leads the team in receptions with five through the first two games of the season. It’s typically not for big yardage, but Temple is the guy the Chippewas will look to in order to move the sticks on third down or near the goal line.
Here’s a snag he had for a two-point conversion against Toledo last season.
It’s not just size, but it’s also athleticism for Temple. The senior played tight end, wide receiver and defensive end at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep in Ypsilanti. He also was an all-state basketball player and even joined Central Michigan’s basketball team last season, seeing five games of action.
Temple leads the team this year so far with five receptions, has 36 yards, and this touchdown.
Central Michigan has big plans for the supersized tight end this season, and it will need a few catches like this one to keep up with the Wolverines.
QB Angel Flores
Drinkall has had a really unique philosophy to the quarterback position, rotating in three guys throughout each of CMU’s first two games. The most dynamic of the trio is Angel Flores, who possess an interesting threat with his legs while also having a relatively big arm.
Flores played three seasons at FCS Northern Arizona where he completed 73 percent of his passes for 838 yards while also rushing for 363 yards for a total of 18 touchdowns. He took a shot on himself heading to Central Michigan to fight for a starting job under Drinkall.
In Week 1, Flores made a huge throw late in the third quarter to put the Chippewas in the red zone.
Immediately after this pass, he was replaced by quarterback Joe Labas, before returning for three straight runs inside the 10. On the season, Flores has ran the ball 21 times in two games, third most on his team. He’s also completed 5-of-6 passes, making him a really interesting threat when he is on the field.
After struggling to slow down John Mateer on the ground last week, I could see Central Michigan trying to do something similar with Flores. Stopping the designed quarterback runs must be the priority, because if Michigan’s defense can’t slow it down, the Chippewas will continue to attack that way in an effort to keep this game close.
