HOUSTON — Colorado football coach Deion Sanders is set to start a new quarterback in Friday’s game at Houston – a redshirt sophomore who was listed as the team’s third-string QB less than a week ago.
But it’s not because Colorado’s other two top quarterbacks played poorly or got injured.
Sanders instead is going off of his gut – and what he saw in last week’s 31-7 win against Delaware, when he gave a tryout of sorts to Ryan Staub, then the third-string QB. Staub entered the game with 45 seconds left in the first half and the Buffaloes leading 10-7. By the time he left the game in the second half, the Buffs were up 31-7 after Staub threw touchdown passes of 21 and 71 yards.
Staub played like a gunslinger with a killer instinct, outplaying Colorado’s previous starter, Kaidon Salter, and the previous No. 2 quarterback, freshman Julian Lewis.
Though Sanders declined to confirm this week that Staub would start tonight against Houston (2-0) tonight for Colorado (1-1), several signs and statements indicate he will. It could be his big chance.
Follow along here for updates, news and highlights from the Colorado vs. Houston matchup:
When is Colorado vs Houston game?
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 12 from TDECU Stadium in Houston.
How to watch Colorado vs Houston
The game will be televised on ESPN and also is available on Fubo.
Watch Colorado vs. Houston on Fubo with a free trial
Colorado vs Houston odds
College football odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook; Odds updated Sept. 11. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Spread: Houston (-4.5)
Moneyline: Houston (-200), Colorado (+165)
Total: 45.5 points
Announcers for Colorado vs Houston
ESPN play-by-play broadcaster Anish Shroff will call the game along with former Houston quarterback Andre Ware, the 1989 Heisman Trophy winner. They will be joined by sideline reporter Paul Carcaterra.
Colorado injury update
Wide receiver Omarion Miller is expected to be out a second consecutive game with a hamstring injury. Running back Dallan Hayden could make his season debut if he comes back from a hand injury.
Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com