Buffs pluck off the Blue Hens en route to 31-7 victory

Micah Welch barrels through a defender for a rushing touchdown. (Photo by Zach Geisenschlag/Sko Buffs Sports)

Behind the performance of three quarterbacks, the Colorado Buffaloes (1-1) thumped the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (1-1) 31-7 on Saturday.

Kaidon Salter received the first two drives for Colorado, followed by two series of Juju Lewis. What nobody expected was the emergence of quarterback three, Ryan Staub, who ignited Colorado’s offense during a 2-minute drive to close the half. 

Entering the game with 45 seconds and a dream, Staub confidently stepped into his throws over the middle, providing the explosion Colorado lacked. He went 7/10 on completions for 157 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Another sold-out Colorado crowd erupted in cheers for Staub whenever he was in the game.

Staub has worked with offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur for nearly three years, building his confidence in the system.

"He knows what I like, and I know that he knows what I like," Staub said postgame. "The relationship with coach Pat has been great."

Salter had an efficient day through the air, going 13/16 during his time under center. He also scored the first touchdown of the game on a scramble towards the right pylon. Lewis had the least amount of opportunity of the day, going 2/4 in his short time.

Postgame head coach Deion Sanders did not disclose which quarterback would start next, but was pleased with the execution of his two-drive per quarterback formula.

"The talk of the town is Staub," Sanders said. "I love him, I appreciate him...I'm just so darn proud of him, you have no idea how I feel about those types of guys."

For a second time this season, Colorado eclipsed 100 yards on the ground, behind the legs of leading rusher Simeon Price, who had 55 yards. The offense relied on the short passing game again, taking what Delaware gave them. This week, Sincere Brown was the leading receiver with four receptions, 120 yards and a score. 

Offensively, nine offensive linemen were able to get playing time, highlighting the coaching staff’s decision to get as many reps for as many players as possible. Schematically, the Buffs have been trying to find the best fit on offense and defense, and cite the depth as a reason for the rotations.

Defensively, the Buffs did their job, limiting quarterback Nick Minicucci to a single passing touchdown. They sacked him twice, not letting the dual-threat hurt them with his legs. Linebacker Jeremiah Brown was all over the field for the Buffs, recording eight total tackles. 

Receiving praise for their play against the Colorado specialists, they handled their assignment. Punter Damon Greaves, long snapper Kameron Hawkins, as well as kickers Alejandro Mata and Buck Buchanan, have found their respective rhythms at Folsom Field.

"You can count on them. They're going to do their job," Sanders said. "That's the kind of expectation we desire from all our Buffs. That's what we want."

Heading into week 3, the Buffs will have plenty of decisions to make on who starts at quarterback and on defense. Colorado will make their road debut next Friday against the Houston Cougars at 5:30 p.m. MT on ESPN.