LUBBOCK, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 26: Cameron Dickey #8 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs the ball during the first half of the game against the Sam Houston Bearkats at Galaxy Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
John E. Moore III/Getty Images
No. 12 Texas Tech vs. Colorado
6:30 p.m. Saturday at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo. (Ch. 4)
Records: Texas Tech (4-0, 1-0 Big 12); Colorado (2-2, 0-1)
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Series record: Colorado holds a 6-5 lead over the Red Raiders in the all-time series and is 1-0 since rejoining the Big 12 in 2024.
Last meeting: The Red Raiders and Buffaloes’ last matchup was in 2024, with Colorado earning a 41-27 victory in Lubbock.
What’s at stake?
The Red Raiders’ eventual 49-14 victory over Sam Houston that came after a rocky first half on Saturday resulted in a full review from Tech’s coaching staff. Titled “Tell the Truth Sunday” in the Red Raider facility, head coach Joey McGuire said players and coaching staff alike fully addressed common mistakes made within the program.
This upcoming Saturday against Colorado will showcase the depths the Red Raiders dove in to fix their previous mishaps. The Buffaloes have lost consecutive games on the road to Northwestern and Baylor and will be looking for a bounce-back win in front of their home crowd.
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On the other hand, Tech is still looking for its first game of the season where it has been the better team in all three phases of offense, defense and special teams, which is something that happened regularly last season. A struggling Colorado team, led by Deion Sanders, could be just what the Red Raiders are looking for to capitalize on as they fully enter Big 12 play.
Saturday’s matchup against the Buffaloes will either be a momentum builder or reinforce questions about the Tech program heading into its bye week.
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 26: Cameron Franklin #15 of the Sam Houston Bearkats tackles Will Hammond #15 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half of the game at Galaxy Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
John E. Moore III/Getty Images
When Texas Tech has the ball
Colorado’s defense has allowed an average of 355 yards of offense to its first four opponents, with Northwestern earning the most at 423. Through Tech’s first four games, its offense has averaged 429.5 yards per game, even if it has struggled to gain momentum through various parts of each game.
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In Tuesday’s weekly press conference, Will Hammond said his performance against Sam Houston was the worst football game he had ever played but that he took the following day to address how he needs to improve his game.
Hammond will look to respond against a Buffaloes defense whose leading tacklers are in the secondary. Randon Fontenette and Naeten Mitchell lead Colorado with 30 and 28 tackles, respectively.
With Hammond in the pocket, the Red Raiders didn’t allow a sack to the Bearkats this Saturday, which is the second time Tech has a complete-game clean pocket this season. Lamont Lester Jr., who leads the Buffaloes with four sacks, will be the biggest threat for Colorado to create pressure on Hammond.
Hammond has looked comfortable in the second half of various games this season, and if he’s been able to correct his first-half miscues, the Red Raiders have the chance to move the ball effectively against the Buffaloes. Tech should be aided by the return of Terrance Carter Jr.
When Colorado has the ball
In Colorado’s last game against Baylor, the Buffaloes began the game with Julian Lewis at quarterback before opting for Isaac Wilson, a brother of NFL quarterback Zach Wilson, to finish out the second half. It was reported Wednesday by On3 that Wilson would be Colorado’s starter against the Red Raiders.
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Wilson, who spent the past two seasons at Utah, finished the contest completing 12 of 25 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown. Wilson’s first start for the Buffaloes will come against a Tech defense that recorded three takeaways the game before in the form of three interceptions.
The Red Raiders’ defensive mentality is to “take three” every game, and they achieved that feat for the first time this season against Sam Houston. Tech also will see the return of cornerback Amier Boyd to the secondary.
Boyd’s return will assist in stunting Colorado’s leading receiver Joseph Williams. The Arlington native has recorded 22 receptions for 361 yards and four touchdowns this season. Williams’ 361 receiving yards are No. 23 in the nation.
Tech has struggled at times in the secondary, allowing multiple 10-plus-yard third-down conversions. However, Wilson’s first start at Colorado, along with the Red Raiders’ recent success at takeaways could provide enough momentum in itself to cause enough disruption for Tech to come away with a victory.
Prediction
Tech’s first-half performance against Sam Houston highlighted several key areas it needed to improve before facing the Buffaloes. Similarly, Colorado has questions of its own after consecutive losses by 10 or more points.
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Each team is heading into its bye week after Saturday’s Week 5 matchup. One fan base will be at ease with a victory, while the others’ questions will continue to rise.
The Red Raiders will show they’ve embraced their mistakes in the previous week and capitalize against an on-the-ropes Colorado squad.
Score: Texas Tech 33, Colorado 20