Colorado faces arguably its toughest road test so far this season when the Buffaloes travel to Evanston to take on Northwestern. Deion Sanders recognizes the challenge ahead and knows the Buffs need a more complete performance than the one they showed in the second half against Weber State.
Ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Wildcats, Sanders discussed the Wildcats' physical style, Chip Kelly's up-tempo offense and the importance of cleaning up the mistakes that frustrated him during Colorado's win over Weber State. The Buffs also face several injury questions, including the status of star wide receiver Danny Scudero.
Sanders also gave an update on quarterback Julian Lewis, who continues to show growth early in his first full season as Colorado's
starter.
With Northwestern coming off a bye and Colorado preparing for what Sanders called a "daunting task," there was plenty to unpack from his latest media availability.
Here are the biggest takeaways from Sanders' weekly press conference ahead of Colorado's road matchup vs. Northwestern:
On Northwestern
Colorado has arguably the biggest test of its season so far: a road trip to Evanston this week, but Coach Prime says his team is ready, even though it's a "daunting task."
"Maybe inclement weather at Northwestern, but we're up for the challenge," Sanders said. "Good team, you know, and hurry-up offense, and no huddle, and just doing this 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, they're going to be physical. I'm pretty sure they won't make many mistakes. They had two weeks to prepare for us."
Sanders added that he "likes this task for us."
Game planning for Chip Kelly's offense
Colorado's defense will have its work cut out going up against a well-known NFL-level offense with plenty of success over the years.
"Coach Marve knows what he's doing," Sanders said. "We have tremendous personnel. These kids can play; we just have to eliminate errors and mistakes. Coach [Marve] is up for it. He is ready for it."
Team responding after mistakes in Week 2
Sanders was visibly disappointed and upset with his team's lack of focus and effort during the second half against Weber State. He has seen a change in his team to start Week 3.
"They're responding," Sanders said. "I'm not here to have a winning season. I'm here to win. We're here to win it all."
Julian Lewis' continued growth on and off the field
Perhaps the biggest storyline coming out of the Weber State game was Julian Lewis' development. Sanders believes his growth is showing up.
"He's coming," Sanders said. "You can't expect certain things to happen expeditiously because he hasn't played a lot of football at this level."
Coach Prime on how Julian Lewis is growing into a leadership role:
— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) September 15, 2026
“He’s coming. You can expect certain things to happen expeditiously because he hasn’t played a lot of football at this level.” pic.twitter.com/QRx8YABXna
Danny Scudero could be out vs. Northwestern
When asked about injury updates for his team, Sanders said he is waiting until Wednesday's practice to decide on center Demetrius Hunter and defensive ends Vili Taufatufoa and Yamil Talib. Sanders was more blunt about star wide receiver Danny Scudero's availability.
"I don't know if Danny [Scudero] is going to be healthy this week," Sanders said.
Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram.
Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Deion Sanders previews Colorado's road test against Northwestern
