Back on the road, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes (2-0) hit Evanston, Ill., to face the Northwestern Wildcats (1-0) in a Power 4 clash.
Kicking off at 5:30 p.m. MT on Saturday (Fox), the game could be affected by projected rainstorms. In addition, the Wildcats will lack a true home-field advantage, playing on the Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, which has a capacity of about 12,000 fans.
Since Northwestern’s renovated stadium isn’t ready yet, the Buffs will face less noise than in their Week 1 game at Georgia Tech. Having the advantage of already facing a P4 opponent, Colorado comes into the matchup with supreme confidence.
The Wildcats are back at home after a Week 2 bye. Their Week 1 game resulted in a 34-18 victory over the FCS South Dakota State Jackrabbits, but midway through the fourth quarter, the score was just 20-18.
Still, the strong finish from the Wildcats makes them feel they have what it takes to knock the CU hype train off its tracks. While each team is still trying to prove their toughness early in the season, a collision is set for both parties in Illinois.
Offensive Coordinators:
It didn’t take long in Week 2 for Brennan Marion to show why his Go-Go offense is a legitimate threat. The Buffs scored two touchdowns in their first three plays for over 60 yards and never looked back on their way to 52 points.
As quarterback Julian Lewis and Marion continue to develop together, the Buffs’ offense has shown it can also rely on the run game.
For the Wildcats, it's a familiar face in the football world, Chip Kelly, who’s calling plays for their offense. For Kelly, only 34 points against an FCS team is a mark he wants to improve. However, the 497 yards of total offense is certainly something to build on.
A complex run scheme mixed with a vertical attack will be on the docket. Kelly will be in the ear of transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles, who commands the offense.
Defensive Coordinators:
Chris Marve had to make some adjustments against Weber State in Week 2. His unit allowed over 300 yards of offense and 21 points, and the secondary was taken advantage of. But he found a solid lineup for the Buffs by putting Boo Carter at the slot and cornerback Jason Stokes outside.
How his group responds on Saturday will be a big tell for Colorado’s ability to come away with a win.
Defensive coordinator Tim McGarigle will be on the sidelines scheming for CU's offense. A Wildcat alum and on the coaching staff since 2018, he brings his linebacker mindset to coaching defense. Like Marve, he is hands-on with his linebackers and lets them set the tone for the rest of the unit.
His unit forced SDSU to three field goals and stopped a two-point conversion but also gave up 432 total yards of offense.
Colorado Offense:
Lewis is coming off a record day throwing for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. He’s ready to make a jump in his fifth career start. On the road in wet conditions, he will look to use his experience from the GT game to protect the football and avoid turnovers.
In the air, DeAndre Moore Jr. and Joseph Williams have been Lewis's top targets, while receiver Danny Scudero has battled injury. Each had over 100 receiving yards last week in Colorado’s win.
Micah Welch became the first 100-yard rusher in the Coach Prime era, totaling 106 against Weber State. With rain expected, the Buffs could lean into their run game and let their offensive line take control. The Buffs trust their rotation of backs to be efficient.
Northwestern defense:
In their lone game, the Wildcats' defense held SDSU to just 18 points. However, the defense bent at times, allowing 432 yards of total offense. Of those yards, 285 came through the air. Northwestern has also shown vulnerability in the ground game, allowing 147 rushing yards.
Defensive back Robert Fitzgerald led the team in tackles with 14 and is a solid anchor of the back end. While the Wildcats may struggle in the trenches, they have a sound secondary.
Northwestern Offense:
Quarterback Aidan Chiles will be governing the offense Saturday for Coach Kelly. In his Northwestern debut, he threw for 273 yards and a touchdown, while showing mobility in the pocket.
Griffin Wilde hauled in three catches for 104 yards in Week 1 and was the big target for Chiles. The Wildcats' pass game is built on play action and creating splash plays. They will also use a bulk of running backs featuring Joseph Himon II, Gavin Sawchuk and Caleb Komlafe, who totaled 224 yards on the ground.
Colorado Defense:
Reset, and on the road, the Buffs will have to commit to stopping the run early. Colorado’s front seven
In the secondary, there could be different rotations and packages featuring defensive backs Jah Jah Boyd, Naeten Mitchell, Randon Fontenette, Cree Thomas, Preston Ashley, Stokes and Carter. The performance of this group will be vital to team success.
Special Teams:
Wet balls could mean mishaps on special teams. Both sides have been practicing drills to prepare for slick conditions, but ultimately mistakes happen in football. Whichever unit avoids mishaps and protects the football better could be the difference in the game.
Colorado has places to improve on kick coverage and penalties. Northwestern also struggled in their two kickoffs, giving up 49 return yards. With Colorado having an extra game, they have to be disciplined.
The Saturday afternoon showdown will have plenty of stars and players ready to perform; now all that’s left to do is kick off.
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