Buffs Aim for Early-Season Statement in Conference Debut
The Colorado Buffaloes travel to Texas this week to open Big 12 Conference play against the Houston Cougars. Entering as 4.5-point underdogs according to DraftKings Sportsbook, coach Deion Sanders knows his team faces a tough challenge but hopes his squad can make an early-season statement with an upset on the road.
Coach Prime on Underdogs: “I Will Invest in Them Every Day”
While Sanders is a proven winner, he’s no stranger to the underdog experience. At his weekly press conference Tuesday, he reflected on what draws him to overlooked athletes.
“I love the guy or the woman who’s not selected, who’s not poised, whose articulation might not be correct, who might not have the right outfit in their closet, or shoes, but wants it,” Sanders said. “I love and I will invest in an underdog every day that ends with a Y.”
Ryan Staub Steps Into the Spotlight
Sanders may have found his next underdog in quarterback Ryan Staub.
Staub entered last week’s game against Delaware as the third quarterback on the depth chart. When given his chance, he delivered with 157 passing yards and two touchdowns, seizing the moment.
Though Sanders hasn’t officially confirmed a starter, Staub is widely expected to take the first snaps Friday.
“Staub has been doing a phenomenal job getting the majority of the reps, but I haven’t made that decision yet,” Sanders said.
Poise in Hostile Territory
Staub has already shown he can handle the pressure of tough road games. In his last start for the Buffs in 2023, he completed 17 of 24 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown in a narrow 17-23 loss to Utah.
While quarterback Kaidon Salter could see select packages if needed, Staub will likely carry the offensive load. If he can replicate his accuracy and confidence, he could not only guide Colorado to an upset but also help shape a new offensive identity for the Buffaloes.
Keys to a Colorado Upset
To pull off a road win, Colorado must execute across three key areas:
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Offensive Efficiency – Staub and the offense must sustain drives and convert opportunities into points.
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Ball Security – Turnovers could quickly tilt momentum in Houston’s favor.
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Defensive Containment – Linebackers Jeremiah Brown and Martavius French, along with defensive end Reginald Hughes, will be vital in slowing down Houston’s dynamic playmakers.
Special teams will also be a deciding factor. Kicker Damon Greaves has given the Buffs a consistent edge in field position, with three punts inside the 20-yard line in each of the last two games. In a close contest, that kind of precision could swing momentum.
Beyond Houston: Building Program Identity
While an upset would validate Sanders’ quarterback strategy, the bigger picture lies in establishing stability under center. Gaining clarity at quarterback will help define the Buffs’ team identity and set the tone for the remainder of the season.
A competitive showing in their Big 12 debut would also send a message to recruits that Colorado is still a program on the rise under Coach Prime.
Game Time
The Buffaloes face the Houston Cougars this Friday, September 12, at 5:30 p.m. MT on ESPN. With Ryan Staub poised for his biggest test yet, Colorado looks to rewrite expectations on the road.
