For the first time since 2023, the Colorado Buffaloes have started their season 2-0 and are looking to get to 3-0 with a win against Northwestern.
This is the first time since 1978 the Buffaloes are facing Northwestern, and it is the third time the two teams will meet. In the first matchup, the Wildcats shut out Colorado 35-0. But the Buffaloes got them back in the second game, winning 55-7.
Obviously, history doesn't indicate how this matchup will go. There isn't much to go on from Northwestern's tape this season. They've played only one game and have a bye next week. However, there is plenty of film on quarterback Aidan Chiles, who is in his first season with the Wildcats after spending the past two seasons at Michigan State. Between Chiles and his top
receiver so far, Griffin Wilde, Colorado's defense will have a lot to deal with.
Here are five things the Buffaloes have to do right to win this game.
Contain Northwestern's passing attack
The Wildcats have a deep running back room, and while the Buffaloes need to contain their rushing attack, their biggest concern is the wide receivers. Through the first two games of the season, Colorado has struggled against the pass. That was particularly true in their second game against Weber State, where their star receiver went off for 121 yards and two touchdowns. If Wilde or their other elite receiver, Hayden Eligon II, goes off for 121 yards, the Buffaloes may get their first loss of the season.
Generate turnovers
Chiles has a high ceiling and could make Northwestern's passing attack very dangerous. But his weakness has generally been his turnovers. Back in 2024, he led the Big Ten in interceptions with 11. While he did not throw any picks in the Wildcats' season opener, he is certainly capable of turning the game in Colorado's favor with a turnover or two.
Ball security
In a game that is expected to be close, winning the turnover battle will be crucial. Even if the Buffaloes' defense generates a few takeaways, it won't matter if Colorado's offense doesn't hold onto the ball. This was not a problem in their season-opening win against Georgia Tech, but it was a problem against Weber State. Quarterback Julian Lewis was strip-sacked in the first quarter, and Boo Carter also lost a fumble. The Buffaloes cannot afford any turnovers if they want to win this game.
Solid tackling
Missed tackles were an issue in Colorado's win against Weber State. That is how Weber State was able to have so much success in the passing game. They also got over 100 yards on the run, including multiple runs over 10 yards, because of issues in tackling. That can fly with a team like Weber State, but it won't work against Northwestern. It may be a fundamental part of football, but it could be key to whether or not the Buffaloes come away with a win.
Explosives in the passing and run game
Colorado's offense was electric early against Weber State, scoring two touchdowns in three plays. Julian Lewis finished the game with four touchdowns; Colorado had two 100-yard receivers, and running back Micah Welch had 100 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown. Explosives like that set the tone in a game, and the Buffaloes want to set the tone if they are going to win against Northwestern. Long drives help milk the clock and dominate time of possession once the tone is set, like Colorado's drive to open the second half, when they had a 15-play, 58-yard drive that lasted nearly seven minutes. But quick, explosive drives that get touchdowns on the board early in the game are just as important.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Five keys for Colorado football to beat Northwestern in Week 3
