The Colorado Buffaloes picked up their first victory of the 2025 season last weekend, handling Delaware 31–7 thanks to a breakout performance from third-string quarterback Ryan Staub.
Head coach Deion Sanders turned to Staub after early struggles from Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis, and the freshman responded with efficiency — throwing two touchdowns on just 10 attempts. That surprise spark now sets up an intriguing question heading into Week 3: will Sanders stick with Staub, or return to his original starter on the road against Houston?
Meanwhile, the Cougars enter at 2–0 after convincing wins over Stephen F. Austin and Rice. Veteran quarterback Conner Weigman has looked steady in his new home, and Houston’s defense has been nearly flawless, surrendering only nine total points through two games.
Oddsmakers have Houston favored at home, but with Colorado showing flashes of upside, this Friday night showdown offers plenty of intrigue.
How to Watch Colorado vs. Houston
Date: Friday, Sept. 12
Time: 5:30 p.m. MT / 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Where: TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas
Weather: Forecast calls for humid conditions, mid-80s at kickoff with a chance of scattered showers.
Announcers: Dave Flemming (play-by-play), Louis Riddick (analyst), and Tiffany Blackmon (sideline).
Colorado vs. Houston odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Spread: Houston -4.5
Moneyline: Houston -205 | Colorado +170
Total: 43.5 points
Ryan Staub gives Buffs Nation a jolt
Third-string sophomore Ryan Staub didn’t look like a benchwarmer against Delaware. He looked like a guy ready for the spotlight. In limited action, Staub went 7-of-10 for 157 yards, firing two touchdown passes, including a 71-yard bomb to Sincere Brown that had Folsom buzzing.
Deion Sanders praised Staub afterward, pointing to his patience, loyalty, and readiness. In an era where quarterbacks transfer at the first sign of competition, Staub stuck it out in Boulder. Now, Buffs Nation is rallying behind him.
Reports suggest he’ll get the nod again Friday. And make no mistake — how Staub performs in Houston could define Colorado’s entire season.
Why this one matters more
This is a chance for the Buffs to plant the flag in the Big 12 and prove that Deion Sanders is building something sustainable in Boulder. A road win over Houston would silence doubters, calm critics, and remind the nation that Colorado football is about winning football games.
The fan energy around this game feels similar to the Texas Tech game last year. Lots of unknowns. We’ve been here before: underdogs, on the road, all eyes on us. And if Staub really is the guy, this could be the moment that flips the script on the entire season.
QB1 shines in his Coogs debut ✨
— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) August 29, 2025
Conner Weigman vs. Stephen F Austin Highlights 🏈#Big12FB | @UHCougarFB pic.twitter.com/0ncEDheznj
Game Prediction
Houston hasn’t faced a top-tier opponent yet, but its defense has been airtight and Weigman provides stability at quarterback. Colorado’s quarterback situation remains unsettled, and while Staub impressed in limited action, this will be a much tougher test on the road against a Big 12 opponent.
Look for Houston’s defense to control the tempo and force Colorado into difficult third-down situations. Unless the Buffaloes can find consistent quarterback play, the Cougars should have the edge at home.
Pick: Houston 24, Colorado 20