© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Deion Sanders believes in all of his players. That includes third-string quarterback Ryan Staub. The head coach allowed him an opportunity to shine in Week 2 against Delaware. Staub didn’t disappoint.
The moment was not too big for the reserve signal caller, who outperformed both Kaidon Salter and Juju Lewis. Coach Prime is now playing the situation close to the vest amid an unexpected QB controversy.
The Buffs downed the Blue Hens 31-7 in their second game following a close loss to Georgia Tech. It was a much-needed win as the team gets set to enter conference play.
Colorado will face Houston in Game 3 to open its Big 12 slate. Sanders has not named a starting quarterback.
Deion Sanders believes in Ryan Staub.
The plan was to play both Salter and Lewis in the contest against Delaware. Unfortunately, the highly touted passers were largely unable to deliver.
Salter kicked off the scoring with a first quarter touchdown run. He later led a field goal drive to put the Buffs up 10-0.
Lewis entered the lineup in the second quarter. The offense stalled in both instances, leading to punts.
Sanders opted to give Staub a look late in the second quarter. That decision paid immediate dividends. Staub marched the team down the field for a touchdown in 36 seconds’ time. It put the Buffs up 17-7 before the half.
He then led two more touchdown drives in the second half to put the game out of reach.
Staub looked comfortable in the offense. He’s familiar with the system after backing up Shedeur Sanders for two seasons.
His football IQ was on full display.
Staub only learned that he’d see game action the day before kickoff. He immediately went to offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur to discuss the gameplan.
“He found out just a day ago that he was going to get in the game,” Shurmur said. “So, he came to me and told me, ‘I like this, this, this, and this, and call this here.’ He thinks like a quarterback.”
That knowledge was further noted in his postgame press conference. Staub audibled to go routes on multiple occasions, including the 71-yard scoring strike seen above.
“Those plays, (Sincere Brown) wasn’t supposed to run a go,” the passer revealed after the win. “I told him to run a go on both of those. If they press Sincere, it’s going up.”
Ryan Staub finished the day 7-of-11 for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Kaidon Salter posted a respectable line of 13/16 for 102 yards while Juju Lewis was 2/4 for eight yards.
Who is Colorado’s starting quarterback?
The Buffs play Houston on Friday. Deion Sanders refused to unveil his plans in the supposed QB controversy after the game.
“I’ve got a plan,” he said in an interview immediately following the game. “I had a plan coming into this game. I have a plan, but I don’t know if I’m going to disclose it until we get to our destination, but I saw what everybody else saw today.”
Ryan Staub’s performance did not go unnoticed by his head coach. Sanders doubled down on his outlook this week.
“I know exactly how I’m going to handle the quarterback situation,” he said. “I’m not going to say it, but yeah, I’m not lost for direction.”
Sanders’ mysterious approach could cause issues for his next opponent. Houston has been prepping for Colorado since the summer as it is the Cougars’ first Power 4 foe. Those preparations were likely focused Salter and Lewis.
Now, a third option has emerged under center. Staub presents a different style of play.
Will he start? That’s yet to be determined. At the very least, the Cougars will be forced to now deal with Staub’s presence as a true passer while also scheming to defend the dual threat abilities of Salter.