5 things Colorado football fans need to know about No. 10 Texas Tech

The Colorado Buffaloes return home Saturday to face a ranked opponent at Folsom Field for Homecoming weekend. Texas Tech is 4-0, ranked No. 12, and enters Boulder after wins against Abilene Christian, Oregon State, Houston, and Sam Houston.

The Red Raiders have played with balance through September, and they arrive as 14.5-point favorites against a Colorado team seeking stability after losses to Northwestern and Baylor. Isaac Wilson is expected to start at quarterback after taking first-team reps this week, according to ESPN, following his second-half appearance in Waco.

Colorado faces a major test, and Texas Tech has enough talent on both sides of the ball to make Saturday a very long evening. Here are five things Colorado fans should know before kickoff.

1. Texas Tech has handled September

Texas Tech is 4-0 and has passed every early test. The Red Raiders opened with a 33-10 victory against Abilene Christian, beat Oregon State 35-24, held off Houston 28-26, and handled Sam Houston 49-14.

The narrow Houston game provided the clearest look at their poise. Texas Tech took a late lead, then stopped a two-point conversion attempt with time expiring.

2. Will Hammond gives Texas Tech a young quarterback

Freshman Will Hammond has thrown for 968 yards during his first four college games and has spread the ball effectively. He has also put the football in danger at times, including three interceptions against Sam Houston.

Colorado's defensive front needs to create pressure and force Hammond into hurried decisions. The Buffaloes have found pass-rush success with Lamont Lester Jr. and Toby Anene, who will both have plenty of chances to affect the freshman quarterback.

3. The rushing attack is a major concern

J'Koby Williams has 285 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Cameron Dickey has added 227 yards and four touchdowns. Their combined 512 yards give Texas Tech a sturdy foundation before it asks Hammond to make difficult throws.

Colorado's linebackers carry a larger workload after Tyler Martinez's foot injury at Baylor. Liona Lefau, Gideon Lampron and the rest of the rotation will see plenty of downhill runs Saturday.

4. Ben Roberts leads the defense

Linebacker Ben Roberts sets the tone for a Texas Tech defense that allows 94.8 rushing yards per game. Austin Romaine has created turnovers from linebacker, giving the Red Raiders a disciplined presence in the middle.

Colorado needs Micah Welch and JaQuail Smith to find room early after the ground game managed only 81 yards against Baylor.

5. Colorado's receivers can challenge the secondary

Texas Tech allows 253.5 passing yards per game. Joseph Williams leads Colorado with 361 receiving yards and three touchdowns, and Quanell Farrakhan Jr. posted seven catches for 117 yards at Baylor.

Wilson's ability to push the ball downfield could determine whether Colorado can keep pace. Kam Perry, Ernest Campbell and Farrakhan give the Buffaloes usable options around Williams as the receiver room works through injuries.

Follow James Carnes on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: 5 things Colorado football fans need to know about No. 10 Texas Tech