Central Michigan will face Northwestern in the GameAbove Sports Bowl held at Ford Field in Detroit on Friday, December 26 at 1 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN. After finishing with a 7-5 record and securing fifth place in the Mid-American Conference, Central Michigan is returning to a bowl game for the first time since 2021 under first-year head coach Matt Drinkall.
This marks the sixth occasion Central Michigan has played a bowl game in Detroit, with their last appearance at Ford Field occurring in the Quick Lane Bowl back in 2015. Coach Drinkall highlighted the significance of playing in Michigan, emphasizing the personal meaning it holds for many players who grew up in the state. “The entire experience has been unbelievable so far … and to be able to do it in the state of Michigan makes it much more personal to us,” Drinkall said.
Key Players from Central Michigan
Central Michigan boasts several Detroit-area natives, including standout senior edge rusher Michael Heldman from Romeo and senior linebacker Jordan Kwiatowski from Sterling Heights. Heldman currently ranks tied for 10th nationally in sacks with 10½, while Kwiatowski leads the team in tackles (109) and interceptions (three). Heldman expressed his excitement about playing at Ford Field, a venue he has long hoped to experience. “Now it’s finally cool to be here… I’m like, ‘Yes! We got the opportunity,’” he shared.
At 6 feet 4 inches and 260 pounds, Heldman’s breakout senior season has attracted NFL draft interest. Coached praised him as “one of the best edge rushers you could possibly find,” noting his ongoing development in strength, skill, and athleticism. Heldman will notably match up against Northwestern’s left tackle Caleb Tiernan, ranked as the No. 8 tackle prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft by Pro Football Focus. Despite the challenge, Heldman remains focused on his performance rather than his opponent’s reputation.
Another central figure is senior quarterback Joe Labas, who faces a formidable Northwestern defense ranked 34th nationally in yards allowed per game. Labas noted the challenges posed by “big up front, big D-line, some good linebackers,” but remains confident in his team’s game plan. Reflecting on his college career, Labas and Heldman expressed pride in their growth and readiness for their final collegiate game.
Game Outlook and Predictions
This contest features teams with similar playing styles, both employing run-heavy offenses supported by strong defensive fronts. Their shared opponent, Michigan, was defeated narrowly by Northwestern while Central Michigan lost heavily. These results suggest a competitive but uneven matchup.
Central Michigan hopes for a low-scoring, defensive battle but faces the difficulty of containing a major Big Ten offense. Playing in Detroit serves as a quasi-home game for the Chippewas. Experts predict Northwestern to win by a comfortable margin, with a projected score of Northwestern 31, Central Michigan 17.
The GameAbove Sports Bowl provides an important postseason opportunity for Central Michigan players to showcase their talents at a prominent venue within their home state. This bowl appearance highlights the progress of Coach Drinkall’s first season and the athletic achievements of key seniors like Heldman and Labas.
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