9/12/2025

Keys To The Game vs Houston

As the Colorado Buffaloes prepare for their game against the Houston Cougars on Friday night, there are more questions than answers for the team. They have struggled to find an identity on either side of the ball. This game is a key game and somewhat of an indicator on which way this BUFFS team is heading. Here are my three keys to the game!

The first key to the game is Colorado needs to get the run game going and stick to it! The BUFFS revamped the offensive line, and they have been doing an amazing job run blocking! In the first two games this season Colorado has 2 running backs averaging over 6 yards per carry and another averaging over 5 yards per carry. The problem though is the player with the most carries is quarterback Kaidon Salter. Dallan Hayden returning tonight should change the dynamic of the offense and create a good problem for the BUFFS. 

The second key to the game for the BUFFS is the defense has to show up. Week 1 vs Georgia Tech, they gave up 320 yards on the ground. Week 2 vs Delaware the BUFFS gave up 312 yards in the air. Through two games the BUFFS are giving up 351.5 yards per game which ranks number 75 in the country (136 teams in FBS). This may be the bigger issue with this Colorado team when the talking points have all been centered around the quarterback. 

The third key to the game is obvious. The quarterback position! Can Ryan Staub perform well and keep the starting quarterback position or are we left playing musical chairs? I do expect Ryan Staub to get the majority of the snaps if not all of them. Maybe we see Kaidon come in and have a few designated run plays, but this offense needs to have a starter and solidified moving into not only this game vs Houston, but Staub being able to get more work against Wyoming needs to happen! Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur also needs to help Staub out with play calling and for the love of god, stop throwing these terribly designed bubble and tunnel screens. As I have mentioned before, it is only a matter of time before we see one of these go the other way for 6. Staub also needs to continue being a leader and changing routes/plays when he sees a mismatch or an opening. 

These 3 keys to the game should be a turning point and emphasis of what the BUFFS need to accomplish not only in this game but moving forward as a team. The BUFFS have rebuilt this offensive line for a reason and that was to be a much more physical team. The BUFFS will get the running game going tonight and come away with a hard-fought victory vs Houston. My score prediction is a 24-21 win that will serve as a launching pad for this season! 

Written by Manuel Tobin of S2S BUFFS