Colorado takes its 2-0 record to Northwestern on Saturday, September 19. The Wildcats are 1-0 after an early bye, giving Chip Kelly another week to prepare his offense for the Buffaloes.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. This is Northwestern’s final game at the temporary lakefront venue, with the home team laying 3.5 points.

My Colorado vs Northwestern prediction centers on whether Colorado’s more balanced offense can keep this game close. The pick, updated odds and case for the total follow.

I’m taking Colorado with the extra half-point beyond a field goal. The Buffaloes beat Weber State 52-21 last week and finished with 578 yards. Julian Lewis threw for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the first quarter alone, showing how quickly Colorado can score when its passing game finds room. He finished the game throwing for 366 yards and four scores.

That result came against an FCS opponent, so it does not establish that Colorado will move the ball just as easily in Evanston. The more useful development is the offense’s willingness to run. The Buffaloes have run on 55.7% of their plays this season, up from 49.7% in 2025.

Dallan Welch rushed for 106 yards and a score against Weber State. Colorado now has another way to keep drives alive when the downfield throws are covered. It also gives Lewis a chance to attack favorable situations instead of having to create nearly every first down through the air.

Northwestern’s offense deserves respect. Aidan Chiles threw for 273 yards in the opener against South Dakota State, averaging 11.4 yards per attempt. The Wildcats produced 497 yards and 9.04 yards per play, a strong first showing with Chip Kelly calling plays.

The challenge is deciding how much of that opening performance carries into a different matchup. Northwestern has played only once, and Colorado has a quarterback capable of answering a scoring drive quickly. I expect a competitive game rather than enough separation to justify laying more than a field goal.