Graduate student safety Shilo Sanders, center, and the rest of the Colorado Buffaloes run onto the field before the game against the University of Kansas at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Clementine Miller/CU Independent)
No.12 Texas Tech returns to Folsom Field for the first time in 16 years as Colorado hosts the undefeated Red Raiders for a homecoming matchup in Boulder.
The teams last met Nov. 9, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas when Colorado earned a 41-27 win. Texas Tech cut Colorado’s lead 34-27 with just over two minutes left in the game, but edge rusher Arden Walker forced a fumble on the Red Raiders’ final possession. Shilo Sanders recovered it and returned it six yards for a touchdown to seal the victory.
Colorado enters Saturday looking to rebound from a frustrating 23-13 loss to Baylor on Sept. 26.
The Buffaloes tied the game in the fourth quarter behind backup quarterback Isaac Wilson, but Baylor pushed with 10 unanswered points handing Colorado its second straight loss and first defeat in Big 12 conference play.
Saturday is a chance for Colorado to regain momentum and remain competitive in a crowded Big 12 conference.
Five conference teams entered the weekend ranked in the AP Top 25: No. 10 BYU, No. 12 Texas Tech, No. 13 Utah, No. 19 Oklahoma State and No. 20 Houston. After an 0-1 start in conference play, a win over Texas Tech would give the Buffaloes their first Big 12 victory of the season and their first ranked win of 2026.
Key to success: Finishing offensive drives
The Buffaloes’ offense showed significant growth against Baylor, but again struggled to turn yards into points on the board.
Colorado outgained the Bears 363-337 yards and recorded 24 first downs in their 2026 Big 12 opener in Waco, but only scored 13 points. The Buffaloes failed on both of their fourth-down attempts and went 3-for-15 on third down.
Colorado also struggled to establish its rushing attack. With 39 attempts, Colorado finished with 83 rushing yards, an average of 2.1 yards per carry. Micah Welch led the Buffaloes with 35 yards.
Still, Colorado had a chance late in the game.
Wilson, took over for Lewis in the second half, led Colorado on a 12-play, 95-yard drive that finished with a strong 17-yard touchdown pass to Joseph Williams.
That offensive production has not translated to the scoreboard. Colorado totaled 348 yards against Northwestern and 363 against Baylor but managed just 20 points across the two games.
Against an undefeated Red Raiders, moving the ball simply may not be enough.
Colorado needs to finish drives with points on the board.
What Texas Tech brings to Boulder
Texas Tech Quarterback Will Hammond leads the Red Raiders with 968 passing yards through the first four games. He fought through a rough first half against Sam Houston with three interceptions, but still won 49-14.
Red Raiders running back J’Koby Williams leads Texas Tech with 285 yards and rushed for 116 yards against Oregon State, presenting another test for Colorado’s run defense.
Wide receiver Kenny Johnson gives the Red Raiders another big-play threat. Johnson leads Texas Tech with 290 receiving yards and recorded 113 yards on just four catches in a 28-26 win over then-No. 22 Houston.
Ball security could also play a major role Saturday.
While Colorado needs to finish on drives, Texas Tech has forced six turnovers this season. This will be a stat to watch. The Buffaloes committed four turnovers in its 41-7 loss to Northwestern on Sept. 19.
Texas Tech’s troubles at Folsom:
Even though Texas Tech is ranked, they have historically struggled at Folsom Field, winning just one out of five games at Colorado.
After starting the season 4-0, this is the real test for Texas Tech as the first Big 12 road game of the season.
Their last victory was a 27-24 thriller in 2010 determined by a 36-yard field goal with barely over two minutes remaining.
A win on Saturday for the Red Raiders would tie the series 6-6.
Being as the game is Colorado’s homecoming, home opener for Big 12 conference play and first ranked opponent of 2026, a lot rides at Folsom Field and the Buffs hopes to capitalize on the home-field advantage.
Players to watch
Julian Lewis was Colorado’s starter for the last four, but after struggling these past games, Deion Sanders has decided to start backup quarterback Isaac Wilson, putting a lot on the wildcard quarterback who played an encouraging game against Baylor.
Wilson provided a second-half spark, completing 12-of-25 (48%) for 156 yards, and threw one touchdown in the second half. Wilson took over for Lewis after Colorado’s offense managed just three points with Lewis under center, while he was sacked three times for a loss of 23 yards.
Joseph Williams had 11 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown against Baylor, tying the 9th-most receptions in a single game in Colorado’s history making him a player to keep an eye on during the game.
Kickoff at Folsom Field
Colorado (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) is set to face off against No. 12 Texas Tech (4-0, 1-0 Big 12), kickoff is Saturday at 5:30 p.m. MT on FOX.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Atticus Wilbern at Atticus.Wilbern@colorado.edu
