Central Michigan Chippewas @ San Jose State Spartans Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 8/29/2025 10:30 PM EDT

We have your Central Michigan Chippewas @ San Jose State Spartans prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Central Michigan Chippewas hit the road to face the San Jose State Spartans.

Central Michigan Chippewas @ San Jose State Spartans Pick

Best Moneyline Odds: San Jose State Spartans -550.0 [Fanduel], Central Michigan Chippewas +430.0 [Caesars]
Best Spread Odds: San Jose State Spartans -13.5 (-118.0) [Fanduel]
Best Total Odds: Over 51.5 (-110) [Fanduel], Under 52.5 (-115) [ESPN BET]

Game Info

Date: 2025-08-29
Time: 10:30 PM EDT
Location: CEFCU Stadium, San Jose, California
TV: FS1

Central Michigan Chippewas @ San Jose State Spartans Preview

The Central Michigan Chippewas (0-0) are set to visit the San Jose State Spartans (0-0) in what marks the season opener for both teams. The Spartans enter this contest as significant favorites, reflecting their strong performance last season and continuity under head coach Ken Niumatalolo. Last year, San Jose State finished with a 7-6 record, averaging 28.4 points per game offensively (63rd in college football) and conceding 27.5 points per game defensively (84th). They were particularly adept at forcing turnovers, ranking 4th nationally with 28 forced turnovers. Quarterback Walker Eget returns after taking over as the full-time starter mid-season in 2024, finishing with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Running back Floyd Chalk IV, who rushed for 721 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, is also back, and the Spartans are expected to lean on a run-heavy approach with three key offensive linemen returning. While they lost some key defensive players, the unit is still expected to be strong.

For the Central Michigan Chippewas, this game marks the debut of new head coach Matt Drinkall, who aims to revitalize a program that went 4-8 last season and has won just 13 games over the past three years. Offensively, the Chippewas averaged 22.6 points per game (108th) and gave up 29.7 points per game defensively (98th). Quarterback Joey Labas returns after a season-ending injury last year, having thrown for 1,114 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in six starts. The Chippewas also welcome transfer running back Trey Cornist and the return of wide receiver Tyson Davis from injury. Defensively, Central Michigan returns seven starters, including a strong linebacker corps, and ranked 11th in stuff rate and 13th in sack rate last season, though they were vulnerable to big plays. Both teams return roughly 55% of their overall production, but Central Michigan faces the challenge of integrating a new coaching staff and system, which could lead to early offensive struggles.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

The Central Michigan Chippewas and San Jose State Spartans have not met before in their history.

Pick: San Jose State Spartans -13.5

The San Jose State Spartans are poised to cover the spread in their season opener against the Central Michigan Chippewas. San Jose State benefits from significant continuity under head coach Ken Niumatalolo, who led them to a 7-6 record last season. Their offense, spearheaded by returning quarterback Walker Eget and leading rusher Floyd Chalk IV, is expected to maintain a run-heavy, clock-churning approach that should control the pace of the game. This strategy, combined with a solid returning offensive line, positions them well to move the ball effectively.

Conversely, Central Michigan is embarking on a full-scale rebuild under new head coach Matt Drinkall. Quarterback Joey Labas is returning from injury and will be operating in a new system, which historically presents challenges early in a season. The Chippewas' road performance last season was concerning, as they went 1-8-1 against the spread in their last 10 road games and lost all 10 of their past road games against non-AP-ranked teams. While Central Michigan's defense has some returning talent, the Spartans' offensive consistency and home-field advantage should allow them to comfortably secure a victory by more than two touchdowns.

Top Player Prop Picks

Walker Eget (San Jose State Spartans) - Under 2.5 Passing Touchdowns

San Jose State quarterback Walker Eget has a clear trend of staying under this touchdown total. In 9 of his last 11 games, Eget has failed to exceed 2.5 passing touchdowns, averaging just 1.2 passing touchdowns per game. The Spartans' offensive philosophy under Coach Niumatalolo is expected to remain run-heavy, which will naturally limit Eget's passing volume and touchdown opportunities. Furthermore, Central Michigan's defense, despite some vulnerabilities, demonstrated a strong sack rate and stuff rate last season, indicating their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and potentially disrupt passing plays.

Floyd Chalk IV (San Jose State Spartans) - Over Rushing Yards

With San Jose State expected to employ a run-heavy offensive scheme, running back Floyd Chalk IV is in a prime position to exceed his rushing yardage total. Chalk was the Spartans' leading rusher last season, accumulating 721 yards and 10 touchdowns with an impressive 4.7 yards per carry. The return of three key offensive linemen further solidifies the ground game. This emphasis on running the ball should provide Chalk with ample carries and opportunities to break off significant gains against a Central Michigan defense that struggled to contain opponents' scoring last season.

Joey Labas (Central Michigan Chippewas) - Under Passing Yards

Central Michigan's offense faces significant uncertainties heading into the season, making an 'under' play on Joey Labas's passing yards a compelling pick. Labas is returning from a season-ending injury and will be navigating a new offensive system under first-year head coach Matt Drinkall. His previous performances have shown inconsistency, including a five-interception game last season. The Chippewas are anticipated to adopt a slow-tempo, rush-heavy approach, which will inherently limit Labas's passing attempts. San Jose State's defense, known for forcing turnovers, should be able to capitalize on any offensive struggles from Central Michigan, further suppressing Labas's passing yardage.