Friday night in Houston sets up one of the more intriguing early-season Big 12 storylines.
A new chapter in the Big 12
Colorado enters its first conference game of the season at 1-1, and the biggest question isn’t about their defense or receivers but who will line up under center. Deion Sanders has rotated three quarterbacks so far, with sophomore Ryan Staub turning heads against Delaware by throwing for 157 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 attempts. Staub will make the start on Saturday.
On the other sideline, Willie Fritz has the Cougars at 2-0 and playing confident football. Houston’s defense is ranked top five nationally, and that balance is exactly what Fritz envisioned when he arrived last year. The Cougars have held opponents to just 186 total yards per game while complementing it with an offense that can move the ball on the ground and through the air.
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Key players to know
The Buffaloes still have plenty of offensive playmakers around the quarterback position. Wide receiver Kavosiey Mikell, who is expected to be available after an early-week injury tag, gives them a downfield threat, while true freshman running back Sedrick Price could provide a spark if cleared. Defensively, linebackers Kyle Salter and Marvin French are back in the mix, giving Colorado much-needed stability against Houston’s rushing attack.
Houston, meanwhile, leans heavily on running back Dean Connors, who rushed for 132 yards and two scores against Rice. Quarterback Conner Weigman has settled in quickly, showing efficiency with a 68 percent completion rate, four total touchdowns, and the poise Fritz loves in big-game settings. The receiving corps may be without Matthew Shoulders and Sam Padgitt, but Donovan Williams remains a reliable option on the perimeter. The Cougars also expect steady play from a defensive line that has already notched five sacks this season.
What history and trends say
This will be the first Big 12 meeting between these programs, giving it a fresh rivalry feel. Houston has quietly become one of the toughest home teams in the league, riding a six-game streak of unders at TDECU Stadium and thriving on defense-first performances. Colorado, despite last week’s win, has struggled in recent road trips, going 6-4 in its last 10 games overall.
The tale of the tape shows Houston allowing only 4.5 points per game through two weeks, good for second nationally. Colorado, meanwhile, is averaging 25.5 points but has yet to face a defense as disciplined as Houston’s. The Cougars’ strength in limiting big plays, combined with Colorado’s uncertainty at quarterback, makes for a fascinating chess match.
Quick game notes
• Location: TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas
• Date: Friday, September 12, 2025, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Colorado record: 1-1 (0-0 Big 12)
• Houston record: 2-0 (0-0 Big 12)
• First Big 12 meeting between the programs
• Houston defense ranked No. 4 nationally in yards allowed
• Colorado is averaging 351.5 yards of offense per game
This game will test whether Colorado can stabilize its quarterback situation before Big 12 play heats up, and it will measure just how real Houston’s defensive start has been. If Staub or another Buffalo quarterback can create early explosive plays, Colorado could flip the momentum. But if Connors and Weigman control tempo at home, the Cougars could deliver a statement win in front of a Friday night crowd.
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