The Central Michigan Chippewas and New Mexico Lobos meet Saturday in Week 1 action. Kickoff from University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is set for 10 p.m. ET (FS1). Let's analyze college football odds around the Central Michigan vs. New Mexico odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.
The Chippewas finished last season 7-6 overall and 5-3 in MAC action, an improvement from their 4-8, 2-6 MAC records in 2024. 2025 was also the program's first year under Matt Drinkall, who joined after 6 seasons in various roles at Army. Central Michigan will be led offensively by a combination of QB Angel Flores and RB Brock Townsend, both of whom served as backups last season. Most of the Chippewas' offense was on the roster
a year ago, with their secondary seeing the most turnover with three expected transfer starters.
New Mexico also had a first-year head coach in 2025, finishing 9-4 overall and 6-2 in the Mountain West under Jason Eck. The Lobos ended the season with a 20-17 loss to Minnesota in the Rate Bowl. The Lobos are expected to start redshirt sophomore QB Luke Moga, who transferred from Oregon after competing in just 3 games and throwing a total of 5 passes for 58 yards in 2025. They also added transfer starters WR Troy Omeire (UNLV) and WR Miles Williams (Eastern Washington).
– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports
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Central Michigan at New Mexico odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Central Michigan +350 (bet $100 to win $350) | New Mexico -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Central Mexico +10.5 (-112) | New Mexico -10.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -105 | U: -112)
Central Michigan at New Mexico picks and predictions
Prediction
New Mexico 28, Central Michigan 17
Moneyline
PASS.
No interest; the Lobos (-450) should win with ease at home but are too expensive to consider here.
Against the spread
BET NEW MEXICO -10.5 (-105).
The Lobos have several new faces on the offensive side of the ball that should sustain the level they had a season ago. New Mexico put up an impressive 17 points on Michigan to open the 2025 season and tallied at least 20 points in every game after. With Moga coming from one of the top programs in the country, it should have the firepower to score with ease at home.
Flores didn't get a ton of opportunity a season ago and could struggle on the road in his first real action for the Chippewas. Central Michigan was 1-4 ATS last season as a double-digit underdog, so Drinkall came up well short against quality opponents.
Expect that to continue and BACK NEW MEXICO -10.5 (-105).
Over/Under
BET UNDER 47.5 (-112).
The Lobos had a dominant defense a season ago, allowing a combined 40 points across their last 3 games. They have 9 players coming back from their roster last season who are expected to start, so Eck should have a strong foundation.
Central Michigan went Under in its last 3 games (including its bowl game) last season and allowed 24 points or fewer in each of its final 6 regular-season contests. With Moga having yet to start or really have a ton of collegiate opportunity, the Chippewas could limit New Mexico to some extent, as well.
TAKE UNDER 47.5 (-112).
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Central Michigan Chippewas at New Mexico Lobos odds, picks and predictions
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