Top 10 non-conference CFB games in state of Michigan in 2022
By Ryan Kay
Central and Western Michigan look to pull off an upset again in non-conference play.
No. 5
0. Thursday, Sept 1. 0. 856. 7 PM ET. 403. FS1 .
The last time these two teams faced one another resulted in a shocking upset as Central Michigan upset Oklahoma State on their home field. On a Hail Mary and lateral on a last-second play, the Chippewas defeated the Cowboys 30-27.
The last Oklahoma State offensive possession was controversial as it resulted in Central Michigan getting the ball back and being able to score on the last play of the game. Oklahoma State was ranked No. 22 in the nation entering that game that season and ended up only losing two other games that year. The Cowboys may be looking for revenge and they will be ready to face off against the Chippewas this time around.
Oklahoma State is coming off a 12-win season where they almost won the Big 12 title but lost a very close game in the championship game. The Cowboys don’t return a ton of starters so they are somewhat vulnerable but they are still likely to be ranked in the top 25 preseason AP rankings. Central Michigan is ranked No. 79 while Oklahoma State is ranked No. 13 in the CBS Sports college football rankings of the 130 teams so the Cowboys should be favored in this game to win by double digits. Look for Oklahoma to pull away in the second half and win by double digits but don’t be shocked if the Chippewas once again pull off the upset in Stillwater.
No. 4
Saturday, Sept 17. 0. 405. 7:30 PM. 0. 866. ESPNU.
Arguably one of the biggest upsets during the 2021 season occurred when Western Michigan traveled to play at Pitt and defeated the Panthers by a final score of 44-41.
Pitt went on to win the ACC Coastal division and defeat Wake Forest in the ACC championship game. The Broncos defeated San Jose State the following week but ended up tied for last place in their division. However, Western Michigan easily defeated Nevada in the Quick Lane Bowl and ended their season on a good note. The Broncos are ranked No. 93 in the CBS Sports preseason poll and Pitt is on the fringe of being a top 25 preseason team entering the 2022 season.
Pitt lost their two best offensive players but they should be solid and have depth on both sides of the ball this season. This game is at Western Michigan and the Broncos proved last year that they can beat the Panthers but Pitt will have revenge on their mind and will be the favorites entering this game. It is difficult for a MAC team to beat a team from the ACC twice but it can be done and this will be an entertaining game to watch.
No. 3
. Saturday, Sept 3. 0. 896. ABC. 811. 12 PM ET. 0
Michigan lost some talented and productive players on the defensive side of the ball. However, their offense should not miss a step from last season when they scored 42 or more points five times and put up 31 or more points ten times last year. They bring back both their quarterbacks, running back Blake Corum, and some playmakers in Ronnie Bell and Donovan Edwards.
Colorado State has a new coach in Jay Norvell and the Rams only return eight starters. Colorado State went to the transfer portal and added some key additions. The Rams arguably have the best receivers in the Mountain West but they have a lot of question marks on both sides of the ball. The Rams’ defense will have difficulty stopping Michigan’s high-powered offense and the Wolverines should be able to win this game by multiple touchdowns.