In their second installment of 2026, the Colorado Buffaloes (1-0) will make their Folsom Field debut against the Weber State Wildcats (1-1) at 1:30 p.m. MT on Saturday (ESPN+).
With the home opener comes high expectations for a victory. Some betting lines have Colorado as a -34.5 point favorite. Meaning they shouldn’t just win; they must dominate. It’ll be the first FCS opponent they’ve faced since 2024 (NDSU), but the Buffs cannot overlook them.
Entering game day, both programs are on opposite ends of nail-biters. CU found its first win over Georgia Tech last week, 14-13. The Wildcats lost a thriller on the road to Southern Utah, 47-42.
When it comes to coaching strategy, the two teams couldn’t be more different. Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is in his fourth year with the Black and Gold, with a team built on physicality. Weber State head coach Eric Kjar is in his first season, with a talented skill group.
Offensive coordinators:
In Brennan Marion’s first shot at playcalling for CU, there was plenty to be optimistic about. Although they scored only 14 points, Marion committed to running the ball 49 times. By controlling the clock and tempo, his Go-Go succeeded.
Although they only mustered 124 yards through the air, Marion showed he wasn’t afraid to dial up the deep shots either. CU’s final scoring drive showed the peak of the passing game when everyone’s on the same page.
For the Wildcats, Coach Kjar will coordinate the offense and call plays. With two games under his belt, they have averaged 36 points per game. Primarily effective through the air, Kjar’s scheme takes advantage of unprepared secondaries.
Between two different quarterbacks, Weber State has passed for 515 yards, but just four touchdowns. Kjar likes to rely on his run game in the red zone to finish drives and add an extra punch.
Defensive coordinators:
For the first time calling a defense in two years, CU’s Chris Marve made his presence felt. The field general’s unit didn’t allow an offensive touchdown and held GT to just six points on field goals. Marve used a variety of packages and often blitzed the safeties.
At home, with the advantage of crowd noise and altitude, Marve will be at his best. Expect him to pressure Weber State and press cornerbacks to prevent the aerial attack underway.
On the opposite sideline, Coach Kjar appointed Gavin Fowler defensive coordinator. Unlike the other three coaches, he’s had a rocky start in his new program, allowing 38 points per game.
In total, Weber State is giving up 499.5 yards of offense per game, and in two games they’ve allowed 11 touchdowns. With a clear weakness on defense, Fowler will have a tall task to adjust to with the Go-Go offense.
Colorado offense:
Impressively, the Buffs were a run-first team against Georgia Tech, totaling 183 yards on the ground. The one-two punch of running backs Micah Welch (60 yards, one TD) and Damian Henderson (65 yards) proved to be an effective way to move the ball.
Marion also mixed up the rushing attack, with five total ball carriers getting a crack on the gridiron. Against a Weber State defense that is allowing 313.5 rushing yards per game, CU has a clear advantage in the trenches.
The receiving game will also need to get back on track for the Buffs. With quarterback Julian Lewis making his fourth career start, getting him reps against a vulnerable Wildcats defense will be beneficial.
Tight end Zach Atkins, who did not play last week, could be back in the lineup, giving Lewis another weapon. Look for DeAndre Moore and Danny Scudero outside. If the Buffs can get into a rhythm, the Go-Go has the opportunity to produce big at home.
Weber State defense:
Even amidst adversity, there have been a couple of bright spots on the Weber State defense. Linebacker Zach Smith recorded an interception, a blocked punt scoop-and-score and a blocked field goal.
The Wildcats also recorded four sacks in their matchups and 13 tackles for loss. While it's not much to hang their hat on, considering the bulk of points given up, they will have to find somewhere to be strong against CU.
Weber State offense:
Commanding the helm for the Wildcats is true freshman Nate Dahle, making his second career start. In his two games of action, he’s completed 52 passes for 336 yards and two touchdown passes. He’s also been effective on the ground, rushing 17 times for 92 yards.
As a dual threat, the Buffs will have to keep their eye on Dahle. However, their biggest target outside will be wide receiver Noah Kjar (Son of Coach Kjar). As one of the top receivers in FCS, he's exploded for 264 yards and four touchdowns this season.
The crafty receiver also has a partner in crime inside with tight end Ammon Munyer. On five catches, he’s recorded 120 yards and is a safe target for Dahle to complete passes to. The Wildcats want to throw the ball.
On the ground, they have a running back who can get the job done in Spencer Ferguson. He’s rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns when his name has been called. The way Colorado’s defense matches up with Weber State’s offense will determine the game.
Colorado defense:
If the Buffs can pick up where they left off last week, with some imporments they’ll be in phenomenal shape. They only gave up 51 yards rushing and limited Alberto Mendoza to 237 passing yards.
They received Big 12 Defenisve Line of the Week Honors and had a breakout star in Lamont Lester Jr. who recorded three sacks. The linebacking unit was as advertised, with CU’s front seven dominating.
By cleaning up some mistakes in the secondary, and force a turnover they could have another solid performance.
Colorado special teams:
A unit for the Buffs that Coach Prime has personally improved, special teams have to be better for CU. They had a kick blocked against GT and also gave up a 100-yard kick off return touchdown. However, when it mattered they hit the extra point and got a blocked field goal to win it.
Weber State special teams:
Like CU, the Wildcats got their first victory due to a blocked kick on special teams. In fact, they lead all of FCS, with three blocked total on the season. Seeing the vulnerability the Buffs showed, expect them to have a plan to try and block a kick.
For gameday coverage visit BuffStampede.com
Players Mentioned
Coaches Mentioned
