Julian Lewis’ five-touchdown performance powers Colorado past Weber State, 52-21
BOULDER, Colo. — Julian “JuJu” Lewis delivered one of the most productive halves of football in Colorado history Saturday, throwing four touchdown passes and adding a rushing score as the Buffaloes defeated Weber State 52-21 at Folsom Field. Lewis was nearly unstoppable before halftime, completing 17 of 23 passes for 366 yards while leading Colorado to a 2-0 start. The sophomore quarterback did most of his damage in the opening half before giving way to the Buffaloes’ backups for much of the second half. Colorado wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. On Lewis’ first play from scrimmage, he connected with DeAndre Moore Jr. for a 66-yard touchdown, immediately putting the Buffaloes in control. Lewis continued attacking downfield throughout the first half, adding touchdown passes of 63, 48 and 32 yards. His four passing touchdowns before halftime made him the first Colorado quarterback to accomplish the feat in an opening half. The performance also matched the school record for touchdown passes in any half. “Four touchdowns and no picks,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders said. “I’m happy. I’m happy.”
Lewis’ efficiency helped Colorado pile up 578 total yards in the second game of offensive coordinator Brennan Marion’s tenure. Marion’s “Go-Go” offense relies heavily on quick decisions, and Lewis consistently found open receivers while spreading the ball around.
Joseph Williams led Colorado’s receiving attack with four catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Moore added four receptions for 107 yards, giving Lewis two receivers who topped the century mark. “They always find a way to get open,” Lewis said. “Every week, it’s just trying to find a way to get them the ball.” Colorado also found success on the ground.
Micah Welch became the first Colorado running back during the Sanders era to rush for more than 100 yards in a game. He finished with 106 yards, highlighted by a 55-yard touchdown run. Sanders, however, was not completely satisfied with his team’s performance despite the comfortable victory. Colorado committed 13 penalties for 107 yards and missed opportunities to add to its lead after taking control of the game. “We only scored 52 points,” Sanders said. “It should have been a lot more productivity and a lot more expectation of that productivity.” Colorado led 52-14 before Weber State scored a late touchdown, with the Wildcats finishing with 127 rushing yards. Most of that production came after the Buffaloes had built their large advantage. Freshman quarterback Nate Dahle provided Weber State with several bright spots while filling in for Devin Brown, who is sidelined with a broken finger. Dahle threw for 244 yards and three touchdowns, although he also was intercepted. Wide receiver Noah Kjar was another standout for Weber State, catching seven passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the lopsided score, Weber State coach Eric Kjar praised his team’s effort. “They fought to the end and really wanted to compete,” Kjar said. “They didn’t give up. They didn’t quit.” Saturday’s announced attendance of 49,363 marked the second-largest crowd for a Colorado game against an FCS opponent at Folsom Field.
The Buffaloes also used the game to honor members of the Colorado football and media communities. Colorado continues to wear “DP7” patches this season in memory of quarterback Dominiq Ponder, who died in a car accident in March. The program also honored longtime journalist Adam Munsterteiger, who died in May. Flowers and a photograph of Munsterteiger were placed at a seat in the press box. Colorado will now turn its attention toward its first road test of the season. The Buffaloes travel to face Northwestern next Saturday. Weber State returns home to host Northwestern State.
