Schematic Success Masks Julian Lewis' Sloppy Start
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Despite multiple turnovers and a rough first three quarters, Colorado's sophomore QB secured a 14-13 upset over Georgia Tech.
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis looked sloppy during his 2026 debut against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, as Sports Illustrated first reported. The sophomore struggled through the first three quarters, committing multiple turnovers and recording fewer than 70 passing yards heading into the final offensive drive.
Despite the mistakes and subsequent online criticism, Lewis spearheaded a fourth-quarter drive to lift the Buffaloes to a 14-13 victory. The game-winning play was a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Charlie Williams. In a postgame interview with ESPN's Paul Carcaterra, Lewis noted that the defense appeared to be in man coverage, allowing the play to unfold. Lewis credited the design of the play to offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, who joined the program from Sacramento State.
Colorado entered the contest as 6.5-point underdogs, per FanDuel Sportsbook. The win marked the first major upset of the college career of Lewis, a Carrolton, Georgia native who was flipped to Colorado by coach Deion Sanders after being recruited by USC coach Lincoln Riley.