San Jose State vs Central Michigan 2025: Game Preview, Time, Location, Streaming & Odds

As the college football world ramps up for another electric season, the Week 1 slate brings us an underrated but high-stakes matchup: 🏈 San Jose State vs Central Michigan. Scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET, this interconference battle pits the San Jose State Spartans against the Central Michigan Chippewas in a contest full of intrigue, questions, and postseason implications.

Although neither of these programs carries the national spotlight like the Alabamas or Michigans of the world, both San Jose State and Central Michigan have been consistent performers in their respective conferences—making this early-season clash a valuable measuring stick for what lies ahead.

With both teams eyeing conference titles and bowl bids, the 🏈 San Jose State vs Central Michigan showdown at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, could prove to be one of the most tightly contested matchups of opening weekend.

📅 Game Information

• Matchup: 🏈 San Jose State vs Central Michigan
• Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM ET
• Location: Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI
• TV: ESPN+ / CBS Sports Network (expected)
• Streaming: ESPN+, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV

🏟️ The Venue – Kelly/Shorts Stadium

Central Michigan’s Kelly/Shorts Stadium has hosted countless memorable games since its opening in 1972. With a capacity of over 30,000, it’s one of the MAC’s most prominent and rowdy venues. Fans in Mount Pleasant will pack the stands, eager to give the Chippewas the home-field advantage they need to fend off the fast-paced Spartans.

Friday night lights in a college town always create a special environment, and this one promises to be no different.

🏈 San Jose State vs Central Michigan – Team Overviews

🟦 San Jose State Spartans: Rebuilding with Speed

San Jose State enters 2025 with a mixture of renewed optimism and rebuilding energy. After a moderately successful 2024 campaign under head coach Brent Brennan, the Spartans are focused on plugging the gaps left by graduating seniors—especially at quarterback and wide receiver. However, their defensive front seven remains one of the best in the Mountain West, which should be enough to keep them competitive from Day 1.

🔑 Key Players – San Jose State

• QB Jay Butterfield – Oregon transfer with a cannon arm and improving decision-making
• RB Kairee Robinson – Veteran presence, reliable red zone weapon
• WR Charles Ross – Deep threat, expected WR1
• LB Bryun Parham – Tackling machine with sideline-to-sideline range
• DL Cade Hall – Team captain and defensive leader in the trenches

🟥 Central Michigan Chippewas: Grit and Toughness in the MAC

Led by head coach Jim McElwain, Central Michigan comes into the 2025 season with hopes of returning to MAC championship contention. The Chippewas rely on a run-heavy offense, a stout interior defense, and solid special teams play. While not flashy, their discipline and grit make them a tough out for any opponent, especially at home.

🔑 Key Players – Central Michigan

• QB Bert Emanuel Jr. – Dual-threat quarterback with elite running ability
• RB Marion Lukes – Explosive second-level runner and screen pass threat
• WR Tyson Davis – Consistent chain-mover, dangerous in the slot
• LB Justin Whiteside – Brings intensity and experience to the linebacker corps
• S Trey Jones – Ball-hawking safety who leads the MAC in INTs from 2024

🔍 Positional Matchups – Who Has the Edge?

Quarterback: Jay Butterfield vs Bert Emanuel Jr.

This is the most important position battle. Butterfield has the prototypical pocket passer skill set, while Emanuel Jr. adds a dangerous layer with his legs. If the Spartans can contain Emanuel on the ground, they’ll force Central Michigan to rely on their less-dynamic air attack.

Edge: Central Michigan (slightly)

Running Backs: Robinson vs Lukes

Both teams lean on their rushing attack. Robinson is the more dependable workhorse, but Lukes has more big-play ability. Expect both backs to get 15–20 touches.

Edge: Even

Receivers and Secondary Play

San Jose State’s wideouts are largely untested, while Central Michigan has experience in the secondary. This could be a problem for the Spartans, especially if they fall behind and are forced to throw.

Edge: Central Michigan

📊 Odds & Prediction – 🏈 San Jose State vs Central Michigan

• Spread: Central Michigan -2.5
• Over/Under: 47.5
• Moneyline: CMU -140 | SJSU +120

🔮 Projected Final Score:

Central Michigan 27, San Jose State 24

A hard-fought game with low turnovers and plenty of rushing attempts. Expect a close finish and a potentially game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.

Best Bets:

• Central Michigan ML (-140)
• Under 47.5
• Bert Emanuel Jr. anytime TD scorer

🧠 Coaching Showdown: McElwain vs Brennan

Both coaches are well-respected for their ability to develop talent, manage games, and compete with fewer resources. McElwain’s SEC background gives him an edge in big-game preparation, while Brennan’s high-tempo offense can catch teams off guard when firing on all cylinders.

Expect both to go deep into the playbook early.

🔄 2024 Recap & 2025 Outlook

San Jose State – 2024 Season Recap

• Record: 6–6
• Bowl: New Mexico Bowl (loss)
• Strengths: Defensive front, rushing game
• Weaknesses: Passing game, penalties
• 2025 Prediction: 7–5, bowl eligible

Central Michigan – 2024 Season Recap

• Record: 7–5
• Bowl: Quick Lane Bowl (win)
• Strengths: Offensive line, run game
• Weaknesses: Passing defense, third-down conversion rate
• 2025 Prediction: 8–4, MAC West contender

📺 Where to Watch 🏈 San Jose State vs Central Michigan

Fans can catch this Friday night kickoff on several platforms:

TV Channels (TBA):

• CBS Sports Network or ESPN+ are the most likely carriers

Streaming Options:

• ESPN+
• FuboTV
• YouTube TV
• Hulu + Live TV
• Sling TV

Be sure to verify blackout restrictions and regional availability before kickoff.

🧩 Keys to Victory

San Jose State

1. Establish the run early – Keep Central Michigan’s defense honest
2. Stop Emanuel Jr. on the ground – Force CMU to throw
3. No mental errors – Penalties and missed assignments must be minimized
4. Red zone execution – Touchdowns over field goals
5. Win third downs – Keep long drives alive

Central Michigan

1. Time of possession – Control the clock and wear down the Spartan defense
2. Keep Emanuel upright – Limit hits on their QB
3. Exploit SJSU’s secondary – Take calculated deep shots
4. Special teams advantage – A blocked kick or big return could tilt the game
5. Limit turnovers – Protect the football at all costs

❓ FAQs – San Jose State vs Central Michigan

When is the San Jose State vs Central Michigan game?
Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET.

Where is the game being played?
At Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

How can I watch the game?
Most likely via ESPN+ or CBS Sports Network, with streaming available on Hulu, FuboTV, YouTube TV, and others.

Who is favored to win?
Central Michigan by a small margin (-2.5).

What conference is each team from?
San Jose State – Mountain West
Central Michigan – Mid-American (MAC)

🚨 Final Thoughts – San Jose State vs Central Michigan

This Week 1 matchup may not have national championship implications, but it could define both teams’ seasons. San Jose State needs to prove they can win on the road against disciplined teams, while Central Michigan wants to solidify its place as a MAC powerhouse.

Expect a physical, low-scoring game where every yard matters. The quarterback play—specifically how Bert Emanuel Jr. uses his legs—could be the difference-maker.

The Friday night lights, rabid home crowd, and the pressure of Week 1 create the perfect formula for drama.