Sanders stands behind freshman QB Lewis ahead of Colorado's Big 12 opener at Baylor
The short version
- Julian Lewis threw his first two college interceptions in a 41-7 loss at Northwestern.
- Deion Sanders defended his freshman QB and said the focus is on how he rebounds.
- Colorado fell to 2-1 with four turnovers and 80 penalty yards in the loss.
- The Buffaloes open Big 12 play at Baylor on Saturday, 10 a.m. MT on ESPN2.
After Julian Lewis threw his first two college interceptions in a 41-7 loss at Northwestern, Deion Sanders urged patience as Colorado opens Big 12 play at Baylor.
Colorado fell to 2-1 with a 41-7 loss at Northwestern on Saturday, a game in which freshman quarterback Julian Lewis threw the first two interceptions of his college career. Lewis had gone 150 pass attempts without a pick before the first, which came on a forced throw over the middle after consecutive holding penalties left the Buffaloes facing first-and-30.
Head coach Deion Sanders brushed off the mistakes after the game, noting Lewis's inexperience and saying interceptions were inevitable over a full season. He added that what matters most is how the freshman responds, and that he does not want Lewis to become hesitant. Sanders compared the mindset to a cornerback shaking off a completed pass against him.
The loss went well beyond Lewis. Colorado committed four turnovers, including two lost fumbles, went 0-for-3 on fourth down and racked up 80 penalty yards. Northwestern outgained the Buffaloes 423-348 and dominated time of possession at 23:07 for Colorado.
Through three games, Lewis has completed 63.3% of his passes for 658 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. Colorado now opens Big 12 conference play on the road at Baylor's McLane Stadium in Waco on Saturday, kicking off at 10 a.m. MT on ESPN2.
