Colorado · Big 12Julian Lewis takes first picks into Big 12 opener
Colorado’s freshman quarterback ended a 150-attempt streak without an interception during a 41–7 loss at Northwestern, with Baylor next.
SEP 23, 2026
Northwestern’s final score over Colorado
Passing attempts without an interception before Northwestern
Colorado’s fourth-down conversion rate
01 · The NewsLewis Takes First Picks Into Big 12 Opener
Julian Lewis threw his first college interceptions Saturday in Colorado’s 41–7 loss at Northwestern, ending a 150-attempt run without a pick with the Buffaloes’ Big 12 opener at Baylor set for Saturday, Sept. 26.
Coach Deion Sanders said Lewis should not carry the loss into the conference schedule.
“How many games has he played in his career?” Sanders said after the Northwestern loss. “Don't put that much pressure on him. Let's take it off. That's going to happen. You didn't think we were going to go through the durn whole season without a pick, did you? That's not going to happen.”
The first interception came after consecutive holding penalties put Colorado in first-and-30, when Lewis forced a throw over the middle. The second came in the fourth quarter, with the Buffaloes trailing 35–7. Northwestern outgained Colorado 423–348, and Colorado had the ball for 23:07.
Lewis has completed 63.3% of his passes for 658 yards and six touchdowns through three games. He has two interceptions, both from the Northwestern loss, and Colorado is 2–1.
Colorado has not said whether Lewis will start at Baylor or whether the staff will change its lineup or scheme after the loss. The game is scheduled for noon ET on Saturday, Sept. 26, in Waco.
Sanders wants Lewis to attack rather than play cautiously after his first difficult night as Colorado’s starter.
“The way he rebounds and recovers from that is what's important,” Sanders said. “We just don't want him getting afraid to go out there and hang it out. Just go do your thing. If it happens, it happens, let's go.”
02 · The StakesThe Big 12 Test
Baylor will test whether Colorado can keep Lewis confident and its offense functional, or whether the Northwestern collapse becomes the start of a slide in the Big 12. Lewis was only part of the breakdown: Colorado also lost two fumbles, went 0-for-3 on fourth down and committed 80 penalty yards.
03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Can Lewis stay aggressive?
Sanders wants Lewis to attack rather than play cautiously after his first difficult night as Colorado’s starter.
Does the offense clean up its mistakes?
Colorado also lost two fumbles, went 0-for-3 on fourth down and committed 80 penalty yards.