New-look Buffs start sloppy in spring

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders calls the shots during his third spring game in Boulder on Saturday. (Photo by Madison Kerest/Sko Buffs Sports)

A new era began for coach Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday, as the team took the field for the Black and Gold Day spring game. After introducing two new quarterbacks and several new starters, there may still be some cleaning up to do around the edges, as the game showed that the team is still a work in progress. 

It was the first look fans got at freshman quarterback Julian Lewis, who ran out and played with the starters throughout the game. Following him was senior transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter from the Liberty Flames, who had the advantage of far more experience.  

Lewis looked like a true freshman taking his first live snaps, with a few mistakes that burned drives. He did have a strong strike in the red zone near the end of the game, so it may have just been opening-game jitters, but he wasn’t able to get comfortable until late in the game. 

Salter had more success with his mobility on full display, buying time in the pocket and ripping off a solid run that led into a fourth-down conversion on a quarterback sneak. He was more aggressive downfield as well and showed off a couple of well-placed passes.

Colorado defensive end London Merritt rushes quarterback Julian Lewis during Saturday's spring game. (Aspen Doust/Sko Buffs Sports)

It was the defense that looked more prepared. It created pressure and made it difficult for both of the young quarterbacks. Salter managed to deal with it a little better, but the swarming defense looked like the attacking unit, whereas the offenses were trying to get what they could. 

Both sides had their share of miscues that quickly piled up:

- Kicker Alejandro Mata missed his first kick and one late 

- Wide receiver Quanell Farrakan Jr. muffed his first punt but recovered it shortly after 

- Salter’s offense was caught in an illegal formation early on its first drive

- The offense was later bailed out by both offsides and pass interference on the same play

- Lewis tripped on a play-action pass

- Lewis had two of his passes batted down

While it wasn’t a strong showing, the good news is that there isn’t a real game tomorrow. The Buffs have all summer to iron out issues and get gameday ready. 

Expectations may have been a little too high for blue-chip recruit Lewis. While Dylan Raiola may have started as a true freshman for the rival Nebraska Cornhuskers, it’s far less common for that to be the case. Salter has seen far more action throughout his collegiate career and should be the strong favorite to start the season, even with Lewis getting first-team reps. 

It may also take time for Colorado to find its footing. Replacing Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and several other key starters will not be an easy task early on. 

Even if it wasn’t a spectacle, the spring game was just one step in a long process towards the Buffs’ return to relevance.