Delaware (1-0, 0-0 CAA) at Colorado (0-1, 0-0 Big 12)
When/where: 1:30 p.m. Saturday/Folsom Field
TV/Radio: FOX/KOA 850 AM, 94.1 FM
BetMGM Line: CU -23.5, 50.5 over/under
Weather: 74 degrees, cloudy
Series History: First meeting
Three storylines
It’s Ju Ju time: CU coach Deion Sanders announced this week that true freshman QB Julian Lewis, the program’s prized five-star recruit, will make his college debut on Saturday. Sanders didn’t specify when that would be. Senior Kaidon Salter, the transfer from Liberty, started last week against Georgia Tech and turned in an OK performance: 17 of 28 for 159 yards, one TD by air, one TD by ground and a 57.6 QBR. Should Lewis come in Saturday and play well, he might steal the QB starting job going forward.
Experience factor: Beyond the inherent gap in talent between the two programs, there is also a gulf in experience. While the Buffs lead the nation with 38 players in their final season of eligibility, Delaware had nine players make their collegiate debut in last week’s win over Delaware State. The Blue Hens are especially “green” in the secondary and at the offensive skill positions around sophomore quarterback Nick Minicucci. That presents an opening for cornerback DJ McKinney and the rest of the CU secondary to have a dominant day.
Buffs run game: After CU preached throughout training camp about the offense needing to be two-dimensional this season by running the ball more effectively, the Buffs had 146 yards rushing against Georgia Tech at 4.7 yards per carry. It was a good start, considering CU averaged just 2.5 yards per carry and an FBS-worst 65.2 yards per game last year. Tailback Micah Welch needs to go off against the Blue Hens so that the CU run game has the wind at its back when the Buffs head to Houston next week.
Predictions
Kyle Newman, sportswriter: Colorado 45, Delaware 10
After getting out-muscled last week against Georgia Tech, the Buffs are the punishers this week against FCS Delaware. Against an overmatched defense, Julian Lewis plays well in his collegiate debut, tossing a couple of TDs. And the CU defensive line explodes for six sacks in a game that’s over by halftime. A needed confidence-booster ahead of the Big 12 opener at Houston next week.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: Colorado 35, Delaware 10
Maybe Coach Prime was saving those timeouts to give to Julian Lewis this weekend? BoCo finally gets to see if Ju Ju can break the internet — or at least appear to show more comfort in the pocket than he did during the spring game. Lewis might be the most popular backup QB to hit the Mile High City since Drew Lock danced his way into Front Range hearts. But if the Buffs don’t block better than they did against Georgia Tech, he’ll be too busy running for his life to feel the love.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: Colorado 31, Delaware 7
Joe Flacco ain’t walking through that door, Blue Hen fans. The Buffs have a clear talent advantage and what appears to be a semblance of a run game. Those holes should open up much wider against an FCS opponent. If they don’t? It doesn’t matter what freshman quarterback Julian Lewis does, because this team is in serious trouble.
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