Lewis’ time for Colorado is here
BY Leopoldo Rivera IV | 365 Sports
Lewis’ time for Colorado is here
The Colorado Buffaloes (3-6, 1-5 Big 12) hit rock bottom in their 52-17 defeat to the Arizona Wildcats (5-3, 2-3 Big 12).
The beatdown was ruthless, with Colorado giving up 417 total yards and seven team touchdowns. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita was responsible for five, throwing four touchdowns and rushing in another.
Colorado’s defense struggled to tackle, allowing the Wildcats to run for over 200 yards. The same issues shown throughout the season were in full effect: penalties, lack of discipline, and a failed game plan all failed the Buffaloes on Saturday.
Offensively, Colorado struggled mightily. The Buffs started with a three-and-out, prompting a swarm of boos from the home crowd. Even quicker than their loss in Utah, they fell down 17-0, with no hope. Quarterback Kaidon Salter missed an open receiver early and then fumbled on the following play, starting the spiral.
Salter would lead a touchdown drive before eventually throwing another interception. The offense’s inability to sustain drives and Salter’s turnovers ultimately led to the change. Ryan Staub was the second quarterback to enter the game for Colorado. Early in the third quarter, he had already thrown two interceptions and was benched, too.
When the Buffs made the change to true freshman quarterback Julian “Juju” Lewis, the energy shifted. The few thousand remaining fans roared and Lewis soared a 59-yard bomb to Omarion Miller. The play was a small highlight in a miserable afternoon for the Buffaloes, but it gave excitement for the remainder of the season.
Head coach Deion Sanders announced Lewis would be the starter against the West Virginia Mountaineers (3-6, 1-5 Big 12) this Saturday. He had two words for what was the deciding factor.
“Common sense,” Sanders said. “He’s a young kid, he’s going to make young kid mistakes. But it’s up to the staff to get him prepared.”
The Buffs will travel to West Virginia to face a Mountaineers team fresh off an upset of the Houston Cougars. Colorado is hoping the freshman’s energy will provide a spark on the road in a hostile environment.
Kickoff is set for 11:00 am on TNT.