Deion Sanders had words for QB Julian Lewis after Colorado loss

West Virginia’s balanced attack edged Colorado 29-22 on Saturday, leaving the Buffaloes’ college football season in deeper trouble while giving more texture to Deion Sanders’ decision to turn the keys over to freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis.

The Mountaineers built a lead with two short rushing touchdowns from Curtis Jones and a game-managing day from freshman Scotty Fox Jr.

Colorado outgained WVU in yards (350-357) but came up short when it mattered, falling to 3-7 on the season (1-6 Big 12) after the loss, while West Virginia improved to 4-6.

After the game, Sanders made a strong statement about his young QB: “He did some wonderful things that you can see that he’s gonna be special. Overall, to me, the kid played well. He played well enough for us to win the game.”

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In what was his first start, Lewis completed 22 of 35 passes for 299 yards, two passing touchdowns, and no interceptions, with the Buffaloes’ offense producing 299 passing yards and 51 rushing yards as a unit.

Colorado’s receptions were led by Omarion Miller (6 for 131) and Joseph Williams (3 for 64).

Despite those numbers, Colorado’s inability to finish drives and a couple of short-ground touchdowns by WVU swung the game.

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Lewis arrived in Boulder as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 cycle — a former five-star on many lists who reclassified and signed with Colorado after a high-profile flip from USC.

Sanders’ move to start Lewis effectively burns the freshman’s redshirt and fast-tracks his development; Colorado has three games left to evaluate whether Lewis is the long-term answer and to repair momentum.

The loss also eliminated Colorado from bowl consideration, narrowing immediate stakes to recruiting, staff stability, and player development.