The Only Game Preview You Need: Week 2 vs. Delaware

“Hi. I’m in……Delaware.” –Garth Algar

Game Details

• Kickoff: Saturday, September 6 at 1:30 pm MST
• Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO (Capacity: 52,000)
• TV: FOX (National). Has to be the first time Delaware is on national TV.
• Weather: Clear skies; temperatures falling from the mid-70s into the low 60s
• Tickets: Available through CU’s ticket office and online starting at $59 (SeatGeek)

Vegas Odds and Betting Notes

• Spread: Buffs favored by 23.5 points
• Over/Under: ~50.5 total points
• Moneyline: CU –2400, Delaware +1200
• Model Projection (Dimers): CU wins 37–14; 94% win probability vs. Delaware’s 6%

About UD: Political and FCS Success

The University of Delaware boasts a high-profile alumni list in politics, including the 46th President of the United States Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and former New Jersey governor (the “Big Tuna” himself) Chris Christie.

On the football side, the Blue Hens are making their jump into FBS football, building on decades of FCS dominance. They’ve won six national championships (most recently in 2003) and reached the FCS playoffs’ quarterfinals or better 12 times since 1981. Over the last two seasons, Delaware has stacked up nine wins each year, though they were barred from postseason play last year due to their transition.

UD has also produced its share of NFL talent — most notably Super Bowl–winning and (for the time-being) Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (“FREE SHEDEUR!”), 2002 NFL MVP Rich Gannon, and several journeyman QBs, including Jeff Komlo, Pat Devlin, Andy Hall, and Scott Brunner.

History

This is the first-ever meeting between Colorado and Delaware. For the Blue Hens, the trip west isn’t just about football — it’s a chance to plant their flag as a newly minted FBS program. They’ve long been one of the most respected names in FCS football, and now they get their debut test against a Power Four opponent.

The Scene

Saturday in Boulder doubles as a proving ground and a celebration.

For Colorado, Saturday is a chance to avenge a frustrating Week 1 loss to Georgia Tech. More importantly, it’s the stage for five-star freshman quarterback Julian “JuJu” Lewis’s debut. Coach Prime has confirmed he’ll play, and that storyline alone makes this a can’t-miss afternoon in Boulder.

For Delaware, this is history in the making. Fresh off a rivalry win against Delaware State, the Blue Hens now step into their first FBS season — and immediately face a Power Four opponent. Win or lose, it’s a statement: Delaware has arrived in college football’s top tier.

When CU Has the Ball

Colorado’s offense is still searching for its identity. Quarterback Kaidon Salter is steady but needs to create more explosive plays. The run game — led by a much-improved offensive line, Salter and Micah Welch — was one of the few bright spots against Georgia Tech. Expect Pat Shurmur to lean on balance again: establish the run, then build off it with play-action and bootlegs.

Two playmakers CU must feature more: Omarion Miller and DeKalon Taylor. Miller flashed with one 39-yard grab in Week 1, but he’s too talented to be a bystander. Assuming he’s healthy (he “tweaked” his hamstring against GT and has been a healthy scratch from practice this week), CU needs to scheme touches — slants, screens, vertical shots — to unleash his big-play ability. Taylor, a transfer from Incarnate Word, caught three passes and a touchdown in the opener. His speed and versatility give CU another weapon to attack space and stretch defenses.

Then there’s JuJu. When Lewis enters the game, Colorado’s playbook opens-up. His arm strength and insane accuracy stretches defenses vertically with posts, fades, and go routes, plays that weren’t consistently available last week. Even if his snaps are limited, Delaware will have to prepare for two contrasting quarterback styles.

Defensively, Delaware isn’t yet tested at FBS speed. They were the CAA’s best defense last year, but against Delaware State gave up nearly 200 yards rushing. For context, Delaware State, also an FCS school, finished 1-11 in 2024 and lost all five MEAC matchups against South Carolina State, Howard, Morgan State, Norfolk State, and North Carolina Central—not exactly football powerhouses. Their lone win? Sacred Heart, best known as the hospital on Scrubs.

Expect UD to use a 4-2-5 base, with safeties creeping into the box. That’s risky against CU’s receivers, but if they stay in deep zones, the Buffs will dink-and-dunk all day. This could be a breakout game for CU’s young receiving corps.

In short, CU must impose its size and athleticism. If the Buffs stay disciplined, they’ll wear Delaware down. But if Delaware can disguise coverages and force turnovers, the game could get interesting.

When Delaware Has the Ball

QB Nick Minicucci is the centerpiece. He’s accurate in the short-to-intermediate game and adds mobility in zone-read looks. Against Delaware State, he went 28-for-36 with three TDs, efficiency that fuels Ryan Carty’s spread system.

Carty, an offensive-minded coach from the UD and Sam Houston State trees, uses tempo, 11 personnel, and rhythm passing to keep defenses off balance. Expect lots of slants, outs, and hitches, combined with inside-zone runs and RPOs.

Colorado’s defense, ranked 121st nationally (and dead last vs. the run), has to prove it can stop anyone. Missed assignments and third-down busts killed them against Georgia Tech. To keep Delaware in check, CU needs sound tackling in space and disciplined rush lanes, particularly on third downs, when they allowed GT to convert 65% of the time. If the front four can generate pressure, the Buffs will force mistakes. But if Minicucci gets comfortable, Delaware will move the chains.

Keys to Victory

Colorado

• Start fast: Scripted plays to establish rhythm and confidence.
• Feature Omarion Miller: Get him touches early and often.
• Establish Welch in the run game.
• Get off the field on third downs! Contain Minicucci’s scrambles.
• Limit self-inflicted wounds (penalties/turnovers).

Delaware

• Quick passing game to neutralize CU’s speed.
• Limit explosives; make CU drive the field.
• Mix coverages and pressures to confuse the QBs.
• Protect the ball at all costs.
• Play free, not scared, and embrace the underdog role.

Winning the Tailgate

• BOTW (Beer of the Week): Bootstrap Brewing “Insane Rush IPA” – Longmont, CO. Hoppy and bold, brewed just down the road from Boulder.

• WOTW (White of the Week): Matua Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, NZ. Bright, tropical, and tailor-made for warm September afternoons.

• ROTW (Red of the Week): The Prisoner Red Blend – Napa Valley, CA. Rich and velvety, the Jordan Seaton of wines. Best with steak or chops.

• Bubbles of the Week: Gruet Brut – Albuquerque, NM. Yes, New Mexico! Crisp, surprising, and perfect for toasting JuJu’s debut.

• Opponent Pour: Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA – Milton, DE. Bold, unapologetically East Coast, and the pride of Delaware craft beer.

Go Buffs – Beat the Blue Hens!

If you want to read more in the BuffsBlog Blogosphere, may we interest you in some CU football notes?

Down But Not Out: Where Do the Buffs Go From Here?