Third-string QB Ryan Staub seizes likelihood, lifts Colorado to win

Colorado’s quarterback scenario went in an sudden course Saturday with coach Deion Sanders turning to third-string QB Ryan Staub to energy the Buffaloes’ 31-7 win over Delaware.

Staub, a redshirt sophomore, stepped in after Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis performed towards the Blue Hens, and he made essentially the most of his alternative. He accomplished seven of 10 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns, making his case to be the Buffaloes’ starter shifting ahead.

Sanders stated he prayed about his quarterback room after a 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech within the season opener and determined one of the best transfer was giving two collection every to Salter, Lewis and Staub and letting their performances “tell its own story” and dictate who deserved to play.

But after Staub threw landing passes on every of his two drives, he stayed in for 2 extra and helped flip a 10-7 recreation right into a 31-7 rout. Afterward, Sanders offered Staub with a recreation ball.

“He’s just been waiting for his opportunity,” Sanders stated. “Never jumped in the portal, he had every right to think that way. But he’s just been a great human being and a great young man, like a leader amongst that room. All he needed was the opportunity, and I thought it was time.”

Sanders wasn’t able to say who will begin in Colorado’s Big 12 opener subsequent week at Houston, however he obtained the readability he was looking for on Saturday.

“I know exactly how I’m going to handle the quarterback situation,” he stated. “I’m not going to say it, but yeah, I’m not lost for direction.”

Staub earned one begin for Colorado in 2023 throughout Sanders’ debut season, changing an injured Shedeur Sanders and throwing for 195 yards and one rating in a 23-17 loss to Utah within the regular-season finale. He performed a complete of 20 snaps over 4 appearances final season however does possess extra expertise working offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur’s system than Colorado’s two newcomer QBs.

Against Delaware, Staub obtained his likelihood with 45 seconds left within the first half and engineered a 75-yard landing drive with a 31-yard move to receiver Joseph Williams adopted by a 21-yard landing move to working again Dekalon Taylor.

He opened the second half with a 71-yard landing throw to receiver Sincere Brown and stayed in because the Buffaloes’ QB for the remainder of the third quarter.

“To be honest, this whole week, I wasn’t really expecting to play,” Staub stated. “Friday, I kinda got the call and, OK, I might be playing. I was just waiting on an opportunity. Didn’t know it would be a two-minute drill, and kind of the rest is history.”

Salter, a switch from Liberty, earned his second begin with the Buffaloes and led the workforce to a 10-0 lead earlier than Sanders gave Lewis, the No. 12 general recruit within the 2025 ESPN 300, an opportunity to play his two drives within the second quarter. After each drives led to punts and Delaware lower the deficit to 10-7, Staub took over.

Salter later reentered the sport within the fourth quarter for 2 drives, each of which led to punts, and completed with 127 whole yards of offense. Lewis went in for victory formation on Colorado’s ultimate drive.

Sanders deliberate to present Lewis, their five-star freshman, extra snaps towards Delaware after he did not play within the opener. Lewis threw for 8 yards on 2-of-4 passing and took one sack towards the Blue Hens. Sanders stated Lewis’ youth confirmed in his efficiency and is making an attempt to watch out in regards to the conditions Lewis is being put in early in his school profession.

“Some guys want you to just throw them in there, and I’m too protective,” Sanders stated. “I love the kid and I want the kid to be successful, so we’re very protective on what we do with him and what we can do with him, how we call things with him. We want him to be in a situation to excel.”

Staub stated he by no means thought of transferring out of Colorado throughout his two years backing up Shedeur Sanders or when the Buffaloes introduced in Lewis and Salter this offseason. He stated he fell in love with the method and this system and most well-liked to place his head down and preserve working till he obtained an opportunity.

“It’s kind of crazy,” Staub stated. “I mean, yeah, there’s been a lot of days of a lot of work and some self-doubt and, you know, kind of my own battles. It’s crazy to be rewarded this way. It doesn’t really feel real. But I’m also looking forward to next week. We need to get back to work.”