Week 3 Game Predictions: Northwestern Wildcats vs. Colorado Buffaloes

Week 3 Game Predictions: Northwestern Wildcats vs. Colorado Buffaloes

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Week 3 Game Predictions: Northwestern Wildcats vs. Colorado Buffaloes

Northwestern returns from its Week 2 bye Saturday night when the Wildcats host the Colorado Buffaloes in their second game of the 2026 season. Northwestern enters 1-0 after defeating South Dakota State 34-18 in the opener, while Colorado comes into Evanston with a 2-0 record after wins over Georgia Tech and Weber State.

There is plenty of excitement surrounding the matchup as Northwestern prepares for its final game at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium before moving to the new Ryan Field. Colorado brings a talented and undefeated team into Evanston, while Northwestern will look to build off an explosive offensive performance in its opener.

Here are our predictions for Saturday’s matchup.

Alex Kwiatkowski (1-0): Northwestern 31, Colorado 27

I’m taking Northwestern to move to 2-0.

The Wildcats looked good offensively in their season opener, putting up 497 total yards and 34 points against South Dakota State. Aidan Chiles showed his ability to make plays through the air and on the ground, while Griffin Wilde, Joseph Himon II and the rest of the offense provided plenty of explosive plays.

The biggest question for Northwestern will be consistency. If the Wildcats can stay on schedule throughout the game and avoid the offensive lulls they experienced against South Dakota State, this offense could cause problems for Colorado’s secondary. 

Chiles has the ability to extend plays and create opportunities, and Northwestern has enough weapons around him to make Colorado defend the entire field.

The Wildcats’ run game could also become a major factor. Northwestern rushed for 224 yards in its opener, with Himon, Gavin Sawchuk and Caleb Komolafe all contributing. If the weather becomes an issue, establishing that ground game could help Northwestern control the tempo and keep Colorado’s offense off the field.

This should be a tough battle throughout, but I think Northwestern’s home-field advantage, offensive balance and ability to create explosive plays will be enough.

Prediction: Northwestern 31, Colorado 27

Gavin Dorsey (0-0): Colorado 24, Northwestern 22

It’s the Gary Barnett Bowl!

This is obviously an inopportune time for Northwestern to have a bye, but it may have allowed the Wildcats to spend more time studying the Buffaloes ahead of Saturday’s matchup. Northwestern is a 3.5-point favorite, but Colorado has looked impressive through its first two games.

David Braun’s teams have typically been pretty good at winning the games they’re supposed to, but they have also often struggled to pull out close victories. Just last season, the ’Cats lost by seven points or less to Nebraska, Michigan and Illinois, though they did manage to secure one-score wins over UCLA, Penn State and Minnesota.

I liked what I saw from Chip Kelly’s offense in the first, third and fourth quarters against South Dakota State. It’s that middle-of-the-game dead zone that is cause for concern. If Aidan Chiles can remain on schedule with his dropbacks, then the Wildcats have a good chance to put up points and win the game.

However, I think this Colorado team is better than expected, and we’ll probably see a close contest throughout. Julian Lewis has thrown for 490 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions through two games, making him one of the biggest challenges Northwestern’s defense has faced this season.

I think Lewis makes the difference in this one, although the Wildcats will put up a strong fight.

Prediction: Colorado 24, Northwestern 22

Sep 5, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats offensive coordinator Chip Kelly looks on before a game against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Sep 5, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats offensive coordinator Chip Kelly looks on before a game against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Nick Meyer (0-0): Northwestern 27, Colorado 24

The Buffaloes are a more physical team than they’ve been in recent years under Deion Sanders, but coach David Braun’s Wildcats are more than up for the challenge.

Northwestern’s defense will contain Colorado’s run game, forcing quarterback Julian Lewis to beat the Wildcats through the air.

Lewis has been impressive to start the season with 490 passing yards and five touchdowns without an interception, but Northwestern’s defense showed against South Dakota State that it can make opponents work for points in critical situations. The Wildcats allowed just one touchdown on five red-zone trips in their opener.

On the other side, I expect Chiles and Northwestern’s offense to do enough to take advantage of the opportunities Colorado gives them. The Wildcats showed in their opener that they have multiple ways to create explosive plays, and another strong performance could give Northwestern momentum heading into Big Ten play.

Northwestern is also already looking ahead to one of the biggest games on its schedule. The Wildcats will host Penn State on Oct. 2 in the first game at the new Ryan Field, giving the program plenty to build toward after Saturday.

But before Northwestern can turn its attention fully toward that matchup, the Wildcats have to take care of Colorado.

I expect Chiles and Northwestern to get the job done this weekend, setting up an even bigger stage when Penn State comes to town.

Prediction: Northwestern 27, Colorado 24

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