Colorado vs. Northwestern: Buffaloes Seek 3-0 Start Against Big Ten Foe
The Colorado Buffaloes (2-0) visit the Northwestern Wildcats (1-0) on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET from Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. The game will air on FOX.
Colorado enters off a 52-21 rout of Weber State, while Northwestern opened with a 34-18 win over South Dakota State before a Week 2 bye. The Wildcats are 3.5-point favorites at DraftKings, with a total of 48.5.
Key Players to Watch
Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis has thrown for 490 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions through two games. The freshman authored a late scoring drive in a 14-13 win at Georgia Tech, then threw for 366 yards and four touchdowns against Weber State. His top target, DeAndre Moore Jr., has 16 targets, eight catches, 144 yards, and a touchdown.
Northwestern counters with transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles, who passed for 273 yards and a touchdown in the opener. Running back Joseph Himon II exploded for 87 yards on four carries, including an 80-yard touchdown. The Wildcats are led by head coach David Braun, who recently signed an extension through 2031, and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
High Stakes for Both Programs
A Colorado win would match the Buffaloes' entire 2025 win total (3-9) in just three weeks, a remarkable turnaround under head coach Deion Sanders. It would also give Colorado its first 3-0 start since 2023 and a signature win over a Big Ten opponent.
Northwestern looks to validate its offseason investments in Kelly and Chiles. The Wildcats allowed 432 yards to South Dakota State, a concerning sign against a Colorado offense averaging 33 points per game.
Betting Angles and Trends
Colorado is 4-6 against the spread in its last 10 games, with the under hitting in six of those. Northwestern is 7-3 ATS in its last 10, with the over at 6-4. One analyst recommends the over 48.5, citing Northwestern's defensive issues and Colorado's ability to move the ball.
Northwestern's Bye Week Advantage
Northwestern had two weeks to prepare after playing its opener on Sept. 5. Braun emphasized correcting mistakes and preparing for Colorado's lines. The extra time could help Kelly install more of his offense for Chiles.
Colorado, meanwhile, must avoid a letdown after two emotional wins. The Buffaloes lead FBS with five sacks on third down, a key stat against a Northwestern offense that converted third downs on its opening drive.
Weather Watch
AccuWeather forecasts potential thunderstorms and heavy rain in Evanston, which could impact passing games and ball security. A weather delay is possible.
Broader Implications
A Colorado win would bolster the Big 12's reputation against the Big Ten and keep Sanders' rebuild ahead of schedule. A Northwestern victory would signal the Wildcats are contenders in the Big Ten under Braun and Kelly.
The game also showcases two of college football's most intriguing quarterback stories: Lewis, a five-star freshman living up to hype, and Chiles, a transfer seeking consistency.
For Colorado, the matchup is a proving ground. For Northwestern, it's a chance to show last year's 3-9 finish was an aberration. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
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