Colorado vs. Northwestern score predictions for Week 3 matchup

The Colorado Buffaloes (2-0) are on the road once again this week, heading to Evanston, Illinois, to take on the Big Ten's Northwestern Wildcats (1-0) Saturday evening.

Colorado is coming off a 52-21 win against Weber State, where redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Lewis put together a historic performance, including a record-setting first quarter. It was not the cleanest performance from the Buffs, as a sloppy second half left a sour taste in the locker room. A more complete performance will be necessary against Northwestern in Colorado if it wants to continue its hot start.

Northwestern, meanwhile, has only played one game and is coming off a bye week. The Wildcats are a typical Big Ten team that brings physicality and loves to run the ball, rushing for over 200 yards in their season opener. Northwestern also boasts a standout receiver in Griffin Wilde, whom the Buffaloes will need to contain.

CU is a slight road underdog heading into Saturday's matchup, and with possible rain, it is likely to be a close game.

With just a few days until kickoff, here are our Buffaloes Wire staff predictions for Colorado's Week matchup at Northwestern.

Ariana's Prediction

As of Wednesday morning, ESPN analytics gave Colorado a 50.2 percent chance of winning and Northwestern a 49.8 percent chance of winning. You cannot get much closer than that. I expect this game to go down to the wire, since they appear evenly matched. However, I think Colorado wins in the end because quarterback Julian Lewis leads a game-winning drive and the running backs wear down Northwestern's defensive line throughout the game.

Score: Colorado 24, Northwestern 21

Charlie's Prediction

I do not know what to make of this game. Northwestern has only played a lower-level team, so it's hard to gauge how good the Wildcats will be this season, especially coming off a bye week. Add that factor, plus the rain in the forecast, and I can see a low-scoring, close game. Both teams want to run the football and will try to establish that early. For me, it's a toss-up, but I do like the Buffs being more battle-tested so far this year.

Score: Colorado 21, Northwestern 17

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado vs. Northwestern score predictions for Week 3 matchup