Colorado Buffaloes Elevate Ryan Staub to Starting QB Amid Struggles

The Colorado Buffaloes football team is struggling with identity and leadership issues under coach Deion Sanders, with the offense facing consistency problems and coordination concerns. Third-string quarterback Ryan Staub has unexpectedly emerged as a promising leader after impressive performances, including a key 75-yard touchdown drive against Delaware and a solid first half against Houston, which helped alleviate doubts about his starting role. Staub's patience and loyalty to the program, despite competition from incoming quarterbacks Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis, have paid off, earning him the starting spot and the confidence of Coach Sanders. However, Colorado's overall performance remains shaky, illustrated by a 36-20 loss to Houston and a 1-2 record, with third-down conversions and defensive issues hampering the team's success. The program's future hinges on whether Staub can maintain his momentum and whether the coaching staff can address systemic problems beyond just the quarterback position. Meanwhile, concerns persist about player retention amid the transfer portal and NIL opportunities, which could impact the team's stability.