Staub shakes up quarterback debate as Buffaloes roll over Delaware

Colorado quarterback Ryan Staub during his breakout performance against the Delaware Blue Hens. (Photo by Madison Kerest/Sko Buffs Sports)

Since the Colorado Buffaloes' loss to Georgia Tech, one question remained: Who was in at quarterback for Saturday's matchup against Delaware?

Eyes were set on Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and Julian “JuJu” Lewis, a true freshman in his college debut, to prove themselves. But instead of those two hashing it out, Ryan Staub came from the bench and became the crowd energizer as he helped the Buffaloes snatch victory over Delaware by a score of 31-7 on Folsom Field. 

As predicted, Salter started very strong and looked incredibly sharp for the Buffs. He completed 13 out of 16 passes for 102 yards and finished Colorado’s first offensive drive with a 9-yard scramble for the game's opening touchdown.

Upon second possession, he guided the offense to a field goal, which left the Buffs at a 10-0 lead, providing the offense with some early rhythm.

Shortly after, Lewis made his highly anticipated debut as a true freshman. He went 2-for-4 with just 8 yards. Though this wasn’t the best performance he could’ve had, as a true freshman, he showed good composure in the pocket for as young as he is.

With less than a minute left in the half, coach Deion Sanders surprised everyone by inserting Ryan Staub. This marks Staub's third year at Boulder, as he was the lead backup under Shedeur Sanders for the last two years.

He didn’t waste time, driving 75 yards in under a minute and finishing it up with a 21-yard touchdown to running back DeKalon Taylor.

Colorado quarterback Ryan Staub high-fives a fan after his stellar performance against Delaware. (Madison Kerest/Sko Buffs Sports)

Off the bat, the crowd and team’s momentum shifted, carrying into the third quarter. Shortly into the second half, he threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Sincere Brown, putting the Buffs in a comfortable lead of 24-7.

Staub took credit for 21 points and finished the day 7-for-10 with 157 yards as well as two touchdowns. 

"I was just hoping for an opportunity," Staub said postgame. "To be honest, this whole week I wasn't really expecting to play, kind of with the things and how they went. I wasn't expecting to play. On Friday, I got the call and (thought), 'Okay, I might be playing' ... Didn't know it would be a two-minute drill, and the rest is history."

What everybody was expecting, which was Salter against Lewis, became a completely different scope with the addition of Staub. Many new questions are arising with a trip to face the Houston Cougars next week.

What started as a two-quarterback debate has now turned into three, as Sanders confirmed in his press conference that he knows what his plan quarterback-wise is going forward.

"Staub don't trip," Sanders said. "He's been in this system for, I think, his third year now, and he's just unflappable."

Did this game prove that Staub deserves a larger role in the offense, or will Sanders stick with Salter as the starter?