For the third time in the Deion Sanders era, Colorado is 1-0.

The 2023 Buffaloes flamed out after a hot start, losing six straight to finish 4-8. The 2024 Buffs was the beginning to a nine-win season that saw Coach Prime’s squad in the hunt for a Big 12 championship.

CU plays the first of six home games Saturday (1:30 p.m. ESPN+) as FCS Weber State visits Boulder for the first time.

Here are five storylines to watch:

JuJu and the passing game

Now that the shine of the game-winning touchdown drive has worn off, it’s OK to say it: Julian Lewis’ first game as a sophomore was underwhelming, to say the least. Nearly half of his passing yards (60 of 124) came on that final drive. The rushing attack looks like it will be a real strength, but the Buffs need Lewis and his stable of talented receivers to produce much more if they want to hit their ceiling as an offense. This week is a chance to get on track.

CU’s next two-way star?

Don’t expect Chauncey Gooden to win the Heisman Trophy like Travis Hunter did, but the CU sophomore can impact both sides of the ball in a rare way. After starting the season opener at Georgia Tech at left guard, Gooden also pitched in to help the Buffs’ thin group of defensive tackles. He helped limit the Yellow Jackets to 51 rushing yards on 30 carries, while helping pave the way for a CU run game that produced over 180 yards on the ground.

Can the defense do it again?

Speaking of the defense, new coordinator Chris Marve had a heckuva debut, especially given he was originally brought in to coach linebackers under Robert Livingston. Just six points and under 300 yards allowed with three sacks and eight tackles for loss on the road against a Power 4 opponent is as good as it gets. Marve’s unit now will have to follow it up against a Weber State offense that is averaging 36 points per game through two weeks.

Special teams rebound?

The Buffs special teams were a disaster for the first 59 minutes and 59 seconds of action last Thursday night. Coach Prime has said personnel changes have already been made with the hope they will prevent big plays like Georgia Tech’s 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The kicking situation is arguably a bigger deal, though, with that position still unsettled. There are no scholarship kickers on the roster. So far, that feels like a misstep as CU had its only field goal attempt blocked in Week 1.

The young guys

Even though he’s not underestimating Weber State, Sanders will hope his starters take care of business enough in the first half that he can get some backups and young players in the game. Some freshmen to watch for: quarterback Kaneal Sweetwyne, who impressed in the offseason; linebacker Rodney Colton and defensive back Preston Ashley, both of whom featured on the two-deep chart to start the season.

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King’s Prediction

Colorado 45, Weber State 17

Coach Prime expects the Wildcats to come to Folsom Field looking to prove themselves (and potentially make some money as a future transfer). But this should be a game where the Buffs build an early lead before easing off the gas late. The Week 1 upset at Georgia Tech should only add to the excitement in Boulder as the potential for a much different season feels real.