Head coach Deion Sanders didn't hold back his disappointment with the whole team following the Colorado Buffaloes' 36-20 loss to the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium.
Sophomore quarterback Ryan Staub had an inauspicious debut as a starter Friday night, going 19-of-35 passing for 204 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was inconsistent from the opening kickoff and led the Buffaloes to four straight punts to start the game.
Following the contest, Sanders told reporters that Staub played poorly against the Cougars.
"Staub didn't play well, I saw what you saw," Sanders said via Oliver Hayes of 24/7 Sports.
#CUBuffs HC Deion Sanders on QB Ryan Staub: "Staub didn't play well, I saw what you saw."
— Oliver Hayes (@ocuhayes) September 13, 2025
Sanders awarded the starting job to Staub this week after he had a strong performance against Delaware on Saturday, throwing for 158 yards and two touchdowns while splitting reps with Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis.
The decision was a surprise, as Salter and Lewis competed for the starting job in training camp, with Salter getting the chance to start in Week 1.
Sanders wouldn't commit to keeping Staub as the starter for the Buffaloes' next game against Wyoming on Sept. 20, saying he was too busy thinking about what transpired during Friday night's loss.
"I'm lost for words," Sanders said. "No one could have told me this was going to happen after this week's preparation... Thank you, God, for not allowing me what I want to say. I take full responsibility."
#CUBuffs HC Deion Sanders: "I'm lost for words... No one could have told me this was going to happen after this week's preparation... Thank you, God, for not allowing me what I want to say. I take full responsibility."
— Oliver Hayes (@ocuhayes) September 13, 2025
The offense wasn't the only issue for Colorado. The defense surrendered 209 yards rushing to Houston.
Through three games, the Buffaloes have many of the same questions the program had before their season-opening loss to Georgia Tech. Colorado has not found a permanent replacement for Shedeur Sanders, and the defense has given up 529 rushing yards in its two contests against Power 5 opponents.
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