Colorado's final home stand: Arizona State preview

Colorado's offensive linemen Zy Crisler (72), Zarian McGill (58) and Yahya Attia (59) get set against West Virginia. (Photo by Christian Blanco/ Sko Buffs Sports)

For the final time at Folsom Field this season, the Colorado Buffaloes (3-7, 1-6 Big 12) will host the Arizona State Sun Devils (7-3, 5-2) and honor the seniors to finish their home slate. 

Coming off a bye week and his first start, quarterback Julian Lewis is expected to show progress in his development in a more favorable environment. In their last contest against the West Virginia Mountaineers, the freshman completed 22/35 of his passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns on the road. 

Lewis will look to build on his connection with wide receiver Omarion Miller, who has caught a touchdown pass in each of the last two games for the Buffaloes. Miller provides a big frame and catch radius that Lewis has been confident throwing to. Head coach Deion Sanders outlined what he wanted from the offensive playcalling. 

“Being creative and understanding what we have on offense,” Sanders said. “It’s hard to deal with four (Miller), nine (Sincere Brown) can fly and eight (Joseph Williams) can do his thing.” 

Colorado is hoping to have left tackle Jordan Seaton back up front, which will be a tremendous boost to a unit that gave up seven sacks in their last outing. Although the tackle remains questionable on the injury report, the Buffs will have had time for other players to rest during the week off. 

The Sun Devil defense is giving up an average of 225 pass yards per game, highlighting an area Colorado will try and attack. Arizona State has kept opponents to an average of 23 points per game, showing a stiffness that can be present when called upon. With these teams having not played since 2023, much has changed with the roster makeup.

Offensively, Arizona State will be playing behind backup quarterback Jeff Simms, who is riding a two-game win streak as a starter. The Sun Devils will remain aggressive in their attack, trusting Simms, who’s thrown for 566 yards and five touchdowns. Simms also provides a dual threat ability that Colorado has struggled with, rushing for 411 yards and two more touchdowns. 

Outside former Buff, Jordyn Tyson, will be the primary weapon, hauling in eight touchdowns and 628 yards for the Sun Devils this season. Tyson didn’t play against West Virginia but is expected to make his return against the Buffs. On the ground, their leading rusher is Raleek Brown, who’s netted 823 yards and three scores. Simms will have a plethora of weapons to attack the Buffs’ defense. 

At home and on senior day, Colorado's defense will need to make a turnover or force a stop to give its young offense an advantage against a better opponent on paper. A home crowd and high emotions could play a factor during the game.

Even with both teams beat up by injury, each coach is expecting their team to compete. For the Buffaloes, honoring their tenured players and playing in front of the home crowd one last time will be motivation to find a win and play spoiler to Arizona State’s playoff chances. 

Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN 2).