### Freshman Quarterback Julian Lewis Takes the Helm for Colorado Buffaloes Amidst Struggles The Colorado Buffaloes are making a significant change in their football lineup as head coach Deion Sanders has confirmed that freshman quarterback Julian "Ju Ju" Lewis will start against West Virginia. This decision comes after a series of disappointing performances, where the Buffaloes were outscored 105-24 in their last two games. Lewis, who recently turned 18, is stepping in to replace transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter, aiming to revitalize a struggling season for the team [https://www.ralphiereport.com/colorado-buffaloes-football/22776/quarterback-julian-lewis-confirmed-as-starter-against-west-virginia][https://apnews.com/article/ju-ju-lewis-deion-sanders-colorado-57b3885dfec8944e03d9c030d29ab65e]. ### Overview of the Situation and Decision-Making Process 1. **Current Team Performance**: The Buffaloes have faced significant challenges, losing their last two games by a wide margin, prompting a need for change [https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46848159/colorado-start-freshman-qb-julian-lewis-vs-west-virginia]. 2. **Lewis's Background**: Julian Lewis is a five-star recruit who made his debut earlier this season, showcasing potential with 121 passing yards and a touchdown in a previous game against Arizona [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/ncaa-football/colorado/news/colorado-qb-julian-lewis-get-first-career-start-west-virginia/f101e5727c1b2d162380ec19]. 3. **Coaching Strategy**: Coach Sanders described the decision to start Lewis as "common sense," indicating a strategic pivot to leverage the young quarterback's potential to salvage the season [https://www.si.com/college/colorado/football/deion-sanders-opens-up-julian-lewis-first-career-start-colorado-buffaloes-kaidon-salter]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Recent Game Scores**: The Buffaloes lost 52-17 to Arizona and have been outscored 105-24 in their last two games, highlighting the urgency for a change in leadership on the field [https://apnews.com/article/ju-ju-lewis-deion-sanders-colorado-57b3885dfec8944e03d9c030d29ab65e]. - **Lewis's Performance**: In his limited appearances, Lewis has shown promise, completing a touchdown pass and demonstrating the ability to lead the offense [https://www.9news.com/article/sports/ncaa/colorado-buffaloes/deion-sanders-will-start-freshman-quarterback-julian-lewis-in-effort-to-rescue-colorados-season/616-c9f3959c-53e8-44e3-a3aa-4813252d9b60]. - **Coaching Adjustments**: There are indications that Sanders may also be considering adjustments to his coaching staff, which could further impact the team's performance moving forward [https://www.si.com/college/colorado/football/deion-sanders-should-start-quarterback-julian-lewis-colorado-buffaloes-season]. ### Conclusion and Future Implications **The decision to start Julian Lewis marks a pivotal moment for the Colorado Buffaloes as they seek to turn around a challenging season.** 1. **Immediate Impact**: Lewis's first start against West Virginia could be crucial in determining the trajectory of the remainder of the season. 2. **Long-term Development**: While starting a freshman quarterback carries risks, it may also provide the necessary spark for the team to regain momentum [https://www.si.com/college/colorado/football/deion-sanders-opens-up-julian-lewis-first-career-start-colorado-buffaloes-kaidon-salter]. 3. **Coaching Dynamics**: Changes in coaching strategies and potential staff adjustments may further influence the team's performance as they navigate the remainder of the season [https://www.apnews.com/article/ju-ju-lewis-deion-sanders-colorado-57b3885dfec8944e03d9c030d29ab65e]. This strategic shift reflects a broader effort to revitalize the Buffaloes' competitive edge in college football.