In Colorado's home opener against Weber State, the Buffaloes dominated the Wildcats with a final score of 52-21. While it may not have been a surprise, it was impressive to see Colorado's passing attack shred Weber State throughout the game.
The Buffaloes established in their season opener that they can win games by controlling the line of scrimmage with their running game. But in this game, they proved they can win games with the passing game. Quarterback Julian Lewis finished the game with 366 passing yards and four passing touchdowns, along with a rushing touchdown.
Here is everything we learned from Colorado's win over Weber State.
Julian Lewis is an elite quarterback
Last week, I said Lewis wasn't elite yet. He is now. He seemed to carry the confidence from last week's game-winning
drive into this game. His first pass attempt was a 66-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore Jr.
Lewis also threw a touchdown to Ernest Campbell and two touchdowns to Joseph Williams, who finished the game as Colorado's leading receiver. He displayed good decision-making throughout the entire game and never put the ball in danger. While Weber State is not the best gauge for how well Lewis is going to do throughout the rest of the season, this game proved what kind of player he can be for the Buffaloes this season and beyond.
This run defense is for real, but has some things to solidify
After holding Georgia Tech to just 51 rushing yards, the Buffaloes allowed 65 rushing yards to Weber State's top running back, Omar Shah and over 100 rushing yards overall. This isn't terrible, especially since they allowed an average of over 220 rushing yards last season. However, they had multiple missed tackles against the run. That wasn't problematic against Weber State, but it could be if they don't address it against teams like Texas Tech and Utah.
Colorado finally has a 100-yard rusher
For the first time since Deion Sanders became the head coach for Colorado, the Buffaloes had a player hit 100 rushing yards in a game. Micah Welch finished the game with 106 rushing yards and 11 rushing attempts, including a 55-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Colorado established in their first game that they like to rotate running backs, which is why no one reached 100 yards in the opener. However, in this game, when they did not need to rely on a running back rotation, Welch proved he can be a top running back in the Big 12 this season.
Don't underestimate Colorado's wide receiver group
Colorado's offense may run through the running backs, but they proved in this game they have elite wide receivers. Two different receivers, Joseph Williams and DeAndre Moore Jr., had over 100 receiving yards, and both scored on touchdowns over 60 yards. On their respective touchdowns, both receivers displayed impressive ball-catching skills and elite speed. Campbell also had an impressive touchdown. Between these three receivers and how well Lewis played, the Buffaloes' passing attack should not be underestimated this season.
Colorado is a Big 12 contender
The defense needs work, especially against the pass after allowing 121 receiving yards and two touchdowns to Weber State's top receiver Noah Kjar. But with the offense Colorado has between their strong running back room, Julian Lewis's ability to push the ball downfield, and the talented pass catchers the Buffaloes have, this is a team that can compete. The Big 12 is competitive this year. Texas Tech and BYU are the favorites, but Colorado, Arizona, and Arizona State are all competitive teams that will make the conference fun to watch this season.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Takeaways from Colorado football's dominant win over Weber State
