This is an uncommon and uncomfortable position for Deion Sanders.

For the first time since he became “Coach Prime” at the college level, Sanders’ team is 0-1.

Outside of last year’s beatdown at the hands of Nebraska, Colorado hasn’t faced much adversity in the first few weeks of the season in recent years. But the Buffaloes are firmly in regroup mode this week after allowing over 400 yards (320 on the ground) in the season-opening loss to Georgia Tech last Friday at Folsom Field.

CU hopes to get back on track Saturday as newly minted FBS program Delaware makes its way to Boulder for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff (FOX).

Here are five storylines to watch:

The two quarterbacks

Coach Prime isn’t just “hoping” to see freshman quarterback Julian ‘JuJu’ Lewis this week. The five-star phenom is going to play, Sanders said Tuesday. It makes sense, too. The Buffs are over three touchdown favorites against the Blue Hens and expect to reach a point in this week’s game where they can get looks at players not currently in the starting lineup. If that doesn’t happen, that probably means it’s time to give Lewis a look anyway as Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter should be able to lead the offense to multiple scoring drives early in the game. How each player looks could shape an interesting conversation heading into next week’s Big 12 opener at Houston.

Generating pressure up front

It’s hard to get in the backfield when the opposing offense is running the ball, but the CU defense still did not make enough impact plays to win last week’s game, aside from the three turnovers that were all essentially gifts from the Georgia Tech offense. The Buffs had no sacks and a pair of tackles for loss. They led the Big 12 in sacks in 2024 and that was a big reason for defensive turnaround as a whole. The defensive line, in particular, should be out to make a statement this week by getting into the Delaware backfield early and often.

The improved run game

Could we see the first individual 100-yard performance of the Coach Prime era this week? Could we see the first collective 200-yard game? All of that is genuinely on the table of a rushing attack that proved in Week 1 it can be relied upon. The running back trio of Micah Welch, Simeon Price and DeKalon Taylor all showed flashes of how their skill sets can be used, not to mention Salter potentially using his legs more often.

The second safety spot

There should be plenty of rotation at all three levels of the defense this week as the coaching staff will want to get in-game reps for as many players as possible, but there’s one starting spot that remains up for grabs one game into the season and it’s the second safety spot opposite Carter Stoutmire, who has solidified himself in the deep safety role occupied by Shilo Sanders the last two years. Former walk-on and Durango native Ben Finneseth got the start at the other safety spot last week, while South Florida transfer Tawfiq Byard played much of the second half. Those two should both get a chance to separate themselves again this week.

Playmakers out wide

Even if the Buffs offense can lean on the run game a lot more this fall, the amount of touches the wide receiving corps got in Week 1 isn’t going to cut it. That group, which the coaching staff has lauded as both talented and deep, combined for just eight catches for 97 yards against Georgia Tech. No receiver had more than two catches. Omarion Miller, who had the biggest offensive play of the night with his 39-yard catch, will likely miss this week’s game with a hamstring injury, but there are still enough playmakers with the likes of Dre’lon Miller, Hykeem Williams and Sincere Brown to carry the load and lead a more explosive passing attack.

King’s prediction

Colorado 42, Delaware 17

After arguably the toughest season opener of the Coach Prime era, the Buffs get back on track this week with a dominant win over the Blue Hens that is more impressive than even the scoreboard will suggest after a garbage time touchdown by the visitors. However, there may be more questions than answers out of this game as both Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis will impress, causing a week of quarterback talk heading into the Big 12 opener at Houston.