The Colorado Buffaloes enter Saturday’s matchup on a three-game losing streak and a 3-7 record. Before the bye week, Deion Sanders team traveled to face West Virginia with freshman quarterback Julian Lewis making his first collegiate start. The Buffs fell short of a comeback but delivered a far more competitive performance compared with their previous blowout losses.
With Lewis now having three games of work under his belt and CU being out of postseason contention, many have wondered if he would redshirt or not. However, the former five-star intends to use his opportunity. I want to play football,” Lewis said after the West Virginia loss. “I’ve been sitting down all season, man. I’m ready to play.”
Colorado now hopes to close out its home schedule with a win against Arizona State on Saturday at Folsom Field. The Sun Devils are 7-3 and looking to keep their Big 12 title hopes alive.
Colorado and ASU meet on Senior Day in Boulder
Series history
This will be the 15th meeting between Colorado and Arizona State. It marks the second matchup between Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham and Colorado’s Deion “Prime” Sanders. The series began in 2006, when ASU defeated CU 21-3. Their most recent meeting came on Oct. 7, 2023, in Tempe, where Colorado won 27-24. The Sun Devils lead the series 10-4.
Offense
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has missed nearly a month since suffering a hamstring injury against Texas Tech but could return to face his former team. In Tyson’s absence, the Sun Devils have relied on a rotating group of receivers. Sophomore Jaren Hamilton posted a 101-yard breakout against Texas Tech, senior Malik McClain followed with 159 yards against Houston, and Derek Eusebio delivered his own breakout performance last weekend against West Virginia.
Quarterback Jeff Sims continues to lead the ASU offense after Sam Leavitt suffered a season-ending foot injury two weeks ago.
For Colorado, Lewis will make his first home start at Folsom Field. In his debut at West Virginia, he threw for 299 yards with no turnovers, providing optimism for the program’s future. Wide receiver Omarion Miller remains one of CU’s most explosive threats, consistently stretching defenses and generating big plays. In Colorado’s most recent home game, Lewis and Miller connected on a 59-yard completion.
Defense
Arizona State enters with the second-best rushing defense in the Big 12, allowing 117.7 yards per game. Linebacker Keyshaun Elliott has anchored the unit with 44 solo tackles and 82 total tackles. Senior linebacker Jordan Crook was named Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Week after recording a career-high 14 tackles, including 10 solo, against West Virginia. Elliott ranks fifth and Crook sixth in the Big 12 in total tackles, both on pace to surpass 100 this season.
Colorado’s defense will need a strong start to prevent ASU from gaining early momentum. The Buffs have struggled at times against the run but have strengths in the pass rush and in creating turnovers. They rebounded by holding West Virginia to 369 yards after allowing more than 400 yards in three straight games. Tawfiq Byard leads Colorado with 77 total tackles and continues to be a star for Colorado's defense.
Game time and how to watch
Colorado and Arizona State will kick off Saturday at 8 p.m. ET at Folsom Field. ESPN2 will have television coverage.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Ole Miss reportedly gives Lane Kiffin an ultimatum as family visits Florida and LSU
- Virginia Tech reportedly funding roster near top of ACC for James Franklin
- Bill Belichick goes viral for awkward handshake after Wake Forest loss
- Texas state trooper reportedly relieved of duties after player exchange at Texas A&M