There won’t be any tortillas flying from the stands this time.
Who could forget the last time Colorado and Texas Tech squared off on the gridiron? That convincing 41-27 win in Lubbock back on Nov. 9, 2024, cemented the Buffaloes as true Big 12 title contenders and served as one of the highlights of the Deion Sanders era.
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Things are wildly different ahead of the latest meeting between the two programs on Saturday night (5:30 p.m. FOX) at Folsom Field.
The Red Raiders are the defending Big 12 champs, while the Buffs are 2-12 in their last 14 games against Power 4 opponents. Oh, and CU still has not found an answer at quarterback in the post-Shedeur Sanders era.
Coach Prime’s team is in danger of falling below .500 for the first time this season, and a loss to the No. 12-ranked team in the country would drop the Buffs to 18-24 in the Sanders era.
A win, as nearly a two-touchdown underdog, would do wonders for proving this season isn’t headed in the same direction as 2025.
Here are five storylines to watch:
Isaac Wilson’s turn
Colorado quarterback Isaac Wilson waits to take part in drills during a practice at an NCAA college football training camp in Fountain, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
All signs are pointing to a quarterback change on the first Saturday in October. Quarterback Julian Lewis has not had nearly the start to his sophomore season that anyone expected, and after he was benched at halftime last week at Baylor, Utah transfer Isaac Wilson is likely to make his first start as a Buff. Wilson did well in relief in Waco and should allow offensive coordinator Brennan Marion to open up his “GoGo” offense in a way that Lewis couldn’t. Texas Tech has allowed more completions than any other Big 12 defense and is not exactly the unit that carried the Red Raiders to the College Football Playoff a year ago.
The battle in the trenches
With neither team getting good quarterback play in September, look for both to try and establish the run and control the line of scrimmage. The Red Raiders have a duo of talented running backs in Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams, both effective behind a physical offensive line. Chris Marve’s CU defense has been solid against the run so far this season, but this will be the biggest test yet. If the Buffs can force Texas Tech QB Will Hammond to make plays with his arm, that should allow CU to stay in the game.
Can the Buffs force turnovers?
Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond (15) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Sam Houston State, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Chase Seabolt)
Speaking of which, Hammond has more interceptions (5) than touchdown passes (4) through four games and he hasn’t played like he did last year when he was one of the nation’s best backup quarterbacks before suffering a season-ending knee injury in November. If the Buffs are able to get Texas Tech into multiple third-and-long situations where it’s forced to push the ball downfield, that could lead to a takeaway or two that could swing the game.
Special teams issues, again
While Coach Prime is eager to see one of his talented punt returners break free for a big gain, he should be more worried about his team limiting its opponents from doing the same. No team in the Big 12 has allowed more punt return yards this season than the Buffs, who have given up 141 yards for an average of nearly seven yards per attempt. The Red Raiders’ Kenny Johnson could have the chance to break off a long return.
The injury bug
Colorado junior defensive end Lamont Lester Jr. (56) celebrates with teammates after a sack in a game against Georgia Tech on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. (Courtesy of CU Athletics)
While we already know wide receiver Danny Scudero won’t return to the CU lineup until after the upcoming bye week, there is a good chance the Buffs will be without a few key defenders this week. Defensive end Lamont Lester, who leads the team in sacks, is listed as doubtful, as are defensive backs Jason Stokes Jr. and Makari Vickers, both of whom have started games this season. Vickers began the season as the starting nickel corner before eventually being replaced by Stokes, who came into the lineup on the outside, moving Boo Carter inside. Stokes had his first career interception last week at Baylor and if both are out Saturday, that could force a young, inexperienced player into a big role.
King’s prediction
Texas Tech 31, Colorado 20
A full week of practice and a gunslinger mentality should allow Isaac Wilson to be a more effective quarterback than Julian Lewis has been to start the season, but it still likely won’t be enough as the Buffs are starting a grueling month of difficult games in the Big 12. This Red Raiders team isn’t the juggernaut it was a year ago, but it’s impossible to pick CU to win against any quality opponent with the way it’s performed the last two weeks.