Central Michigan: 2026 Week 3 recap

Central Michigan sits at 0–1 with a rating of −15.1 after a lopsided Week 1 loss to New Mexico (38–7), and that damage hasn't budged GIE's assessment heading into Week 3. The Chippewas managed only a 12% red-zone touchdown rate in that opener—a telling indicator of offensive futility in the moments that matter most. With an expected win total hovering near 5.0 for the season and playoff probability at zero, the math is already working against them. The good news: they're home this week against Colgate, a non-conference opponent, which offers a chance to reset the narrative. Without a confidence surge on tape, though, GIE isn't pricing in much relief.