Bowl Night in Detroit

For the first time since 2021, Central Michigan was bowling. But inside Ford Field, it was Northwestern that dictated the afternoon, earning a 34–7 win in the 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl.

Quarterback Preston Stone led the charge, completing 19 of 32 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns. The Wildcats (7–6) were efficient early, sharp in the red zone, and steady throughout — securing their sixth straight bowl victory under head coach David Braun.

Northwestern didn’t wait around to take control.

They built a multi-score lead by halftime and never let Central Michigan settle in. Griffin Wilde was a consistent target, hauling in 10 receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Lawson Albright added a receiving score of his own, while Caleb Komolafe punched in a short rushing touchdown to round out the offensive production.

The Wildcats’ defense matched the offensive pace. Central Michigan struggled to generate rhythm and turned the ball over multiple times, giving Northwestern extra possessions and short fields.

The Chippewas (7–6) found the end zone late in the fourth quarter when Joe Labas connected with Brock Townsend on a 3-yard touchdown pass to avoid the shutout. But by then, the outcome had long been decided.

Played in front of a lively crowd at Ford Field, the GameAbove Sports Bowl marked just the second all-time meeting between the programs — and another postseason line added to Northwestern’s résumé.

CMU is bowling again.

Northwestern made sure they remembered it.