Colorado enters Week 3 unbeaten after winning in two very different ways.
The Buffaloes opened with a 14-13 road victory over Georgia Tech, then scored 52 points and produced 578 total yards in a 52-21 win over Weber State. Colorado also committed 13 penalties for 107 yards and lost two fumbles in the home opener, leaving Sanders with plenty to address despite the final margin.
Sanders has made clear this week that the 2-0 start matters, but it is not the standard by which he intends to judge the season.
“We’re here to win it”
During his weekly press conference, Sanders made clear that Colorado’s ambitions extend well beyond simply producing a winning season.
“We got a long way to go. I’m not here just to have a winning season. I want a winning season. But I want bigger than that. We’re here to win it, man. That’s our goal is to win it, not just to compete.”
That follows his reaction to the Weber State game, when Sanders focused heavily on the mistakes Colorado made even while building a large lead.
During his Sept. 16 appearance on Coach Prime’s Playbook with Romi Bean on CBS Colorado, he explained why he believes this roster can handle that kind of coaching.
“They’re not sensitive whatsoever. We have picked them because of their mentality. Because that’s what they brought to the table. That’s why they’re here. They’re not soft by any means.”
Colorado is 2-0 for the first time since 2023, and Sanders has continued to make clear that the early record does not change the expectations inside the program. Now the Buffaloes head back on the road.
Sanders has respect for Braun and Kelly
Sanders opened his Northwestern comments by talking about Wildcats coach David Braun.
“Northwestern. Coach Braun I have a love for him because we came in the same class.”
He followed with, “I really respect and admire him.”
Sanders was hired by Colorado in December 2022, while Braun took over Northwestern on an interim basis in July 2023 before later being named the permanent head coach. Both entered the 2023 season leading their current programs.
Sanders also spoke warmly about Northwestern offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. He recalled a previous camp at UCLA involving himself and his son Shilo Sanders, while Shedeur Sanders later received an offer from Kelly’s UCLA program.
“I love the dude man. I think he’s a great human being, I really do, and a great coach. I really do.”
Kelly is in his first season as Northwestern’s offensive coordinator. Sanders expects the combination of Kelly’s offense, Northwestern’s preparation time and the Wildcats’ Big Ten style to create a different challenge for Colorado.
“Daunting task, I feel like, maybe inclement weather in Northwestern. But we for the challenge. Good team. Hurry-up offense, no huddle and just doing its thing, like Chip Kelly’s been known to do. It presents some dilemmas. We got to prepare and practice for that thoroughly. Big Ten team, you know they’re gonna be physical. I’m pretty sure they’re not gonna make many mistakes. They’ve had two weeks to prepare for us. I like it. I like this task for us.”
Northwestern opened its season with a 34-18 win over South Dakota State and then had a bye, giving the Wildcats two weeks between games before Colorado arrives. The full matchup breakdown will come in The Sporting Page’s next Colorado preview, which follows last week’s Weber State preview.
Welch reaches 100
Running back Micah Welch supplied one of Colorado’s notable individual performances against Weber State.
Welch carried 11 times for 106 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown. He became the first Colorado running back to reach 100 rushing yards in a game during the Sanders era and Colorado’s first 100-yard rusher since Alex Fontenot did it in 2022.
Asked by Romi Bean about finally having a 100-yard rusher, Sanders first reacted to the length of the drought.
“Yeah I can’t believe that.”
He then talked about Welch.
“He’s a great young man. Physical. Loves a challenge. Always put on the back porch and he has to work his way up to the front of the house. And he has no problem with that. He’s resilient. His past. His upbringing will allow you to know why he is the way he is. And I love him for it.”
Welch enters Week 3 as Colorado’s leading rusher with 164 yards through two games.
Availability and personnel watch
Colorado also continues to monitor its kicking depth. When Sanders was asked about the limited healthy options at kicker, he pointed to punter Damon Greaves as another player capable of handling kicking duties if required. None of the unresolved situations above should be treated as a confirmed Saturday absence until Colorado provides further information.
How to watch Colorado at Northwestern
Canada: viewers should check their local provider listing for the FOX affiliate available in their package.
