The Colorado Buffaloes will take on the Houston Cougars in a crucial Big 12 matchup on September 15, 2023, at TDECU Stadium. The game is set to kick off at 17:30 local time and will be broadcast on ESPN, with radio coverage on KOA 850 AM and 94.1 FM. The Buffaloes enter the game with a record of 1-1, while the Cougars are undefeated at 2-0. BetMGM has set the line at Colorado +5.5, with an over/under of 45.5 points.
Key Storylines to Watch
The Buffaloes are navigating a challenging quarterback situation. After a mixed performance in last week’s victory against Delaware, where they employed three quarterbacks, third-stringer Ryan Staub emerged as a standout. Upon his entry into the game, the Buffaloes transformed from a stagnant offense to one that scored 31 points. This raises questions about whether Staub, who has taken first-team snaps in practice this week, could solidify his position as the starting quarterback.
Another significant challenge for Colorado will be containing Houston’s running game. Following a tough outing against Georgia Tech, where the Buffaloes struggled to control the line of scrimmage and were outgained 463 yards to 305, they must focus on limiting the impact of Houston’s tailback Dean Connors, who is averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per carry. The Buffaloes must also find ways to establish their own running game to compete effectively.
Starting strong is essential for Colorado. The Buffaloes demonstrated sluggishness in their previous game, holding only a narrow 10-7 lead against Delaware late in the second quarter. In their first two games, they managed just 20 first-half points, which is concerning for a team looking to replicate last season’s 9-3 record. To be competitive against Houston, the Buffaloes will need to start quickly and maintain momentum throughout the game.
Predictions and Expectations
Sportswriter Kyle Newman predicts a tough outing for Colorado, forecasting a 31-21 defeat to Houston. He believes Staub will perform adequately in his second career start, but the Buffaloes will struggle against a physically dominant team, leaving them with lingering questions about their toughness this season.
Conversely, columnist Sean Keeler sees the Buffaloes pulling off a close victory, predicting a 26-23 win in overtime. He points to Staub’s ability to manage the game effectively, particularly in high-pressure situations, as a vital factor. He notes that the team needs a quarterback who can score rapidly and handle the pressures of a hostile environment, characteristics that may align more with Staub than with his competitors.
Editor Matt Schubert has a slightly different outlook, suggesting a 27-24 win for Houston. He acknowledges Staub’s potential to rejuvenate the offense but emphasizes that Colorado’s defensive struggles against run-heavy teams remain their most significant hurdle.
As the Buffaloes prepare for this important matchup, questions loom about their ability to adapt and respond to the challenges presented by the Cougars. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Colorado can assert itself as a formidable contender in the Big 12 Conference.
