Lewis' Record Half Propels Colorado to 52-21 Win
Julian Lewis delivered a historic performance, setting a school record for first-half touchdown passes to lead Colorado to a decisive 52-21 victory over Weber State.
The first snap of the game sets the tone immediately. Julian “JuJu” Lewis releases the ball, and DeAndre Moore Jr. sprints downfield, catching it deep for a 66-yard touchdown. The stadium at Folsom Field erupts, the green grass beneath their feet a sharp contrast to the white yard lines that seem to vanish as the ball sails through the air. It is not an isolated strike but the opening note of a symphony of efficiency. Lewis, the second-year signal caller, does not hesitate. He reads the defense, finds the seam, and strikes. By the time the first quarter ends, he has amassed a school-best 212 passing yards, setting a pace that Weber State cannot match.
The momentum carries through the second quarter with relentless force. Lewis connects with receivers for scores of 63, 48, and 32 yards, each play a testament to the
A Historic Quarter on the Field
With four touchdown passes before halftime, Lewis becomes the first Buffaloes quarterback to achieve this feat in an opening half. The achievement ties the school record for any half, previously held by John Hessler and Cody Hawkins. The distinction is not merely statistical; it is a visual testament to the offensive system installed by coordinator Brennan Marion. Known as the
The wealth of yards is spread among the team, ensuring no single target bears the entire burden. Joseph Williams hauls in four catches for 123 yards and two scores, while Moore contributes four receptions for 107 yards. The offensive line holds firm, creating the space for this aerial assault. Colorado finishes the game with 578 total yards, a robust output that reflects the quick decisions Lewis makes at the line of scrimmage. The defense, though secondary to the offensive marvel, holds the line when necessary, allowing the lead to build into a comfortable margin.
Running Backs Break Through
On the ground, Micah Welch carves up the Weber State defense. He rushes for 106 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown scamper that electrifies the crowd. This performance marks a milestone, as Welch becomes the first tailback to eclipse the 100-yard mark in the Deion Sanders Era at Colorado. The contrast is stark: last season, the Buffaloes ranked 133rd in run defense, but this year’s offense is a different animal. The running game provides a necessary counterbalance, keeping the defense honest and opening up more passing lanes for Lewis.
Weber State, fighting from a deficit, sees their freshman quarterback Nate Dahle step in for the injured Devin Brown. Dahle throws for 244 yards and three touchdowns, but an interception and the sheer volume of Colorado’s scoring make the gap insurmountable. The attendance of 49,363 fans witnesses a dominant performance, the second-largest crowd for an FCS matchup at Folsom Field. The Buffaloes are now 2-0, their second such start under Sanders, building confidence for the road ahead.
Honoring Memory and Moving Forward
Amidst the celebration, the team carries weight. The Buffaloes wear
As the game concludes, the focus shifts to the next challenge. Colorado prepares to face Northwestern on the road, while Weber State hosts Northwestern State. The legacy of Lewis’s performance and the resilience of the team under Sanders continue to shape the narrative. The victory is not just a win on the scoreboard but a statement of intent, a reminder of the potential that lies within the program. The grass in Boulder remains green, the yard lines white, and the spirit of the team high as they look ahead to the next chapter.
Lewis sets new first-half passing benchmark
The Buffaloes' explosive offensive display was anchored by Julian Lewis, who became the first quarterback in program history to throw four touchdown passes in an opening half. His historic performance included a 66-yard strike on his very first play of the game, signaling early dominance against the FCS opponent.
Lewis completed 17 of 23 passes for 366 yards, tying the school record for touchdown passes in a half previously held by John Hessler and Cody Hawkins. With Colorado leading by a significant margin, the second-year star was benched for the majority of the second half, having already secured the 52-21 win.
