Buffaloes Defeat Delaware 31-7
Colorado used contributions from all three quarterbacks and a steady defensive performance to roll past Delaware 31–7 on Saturday at Folsom Field, closing nonconference play with momentum heading into the Big 12 schedule.
The Buffaloes (2–1) rotated Kaidon Salter, Julian Lewis and Ryan Staub through early series before finding a rhythm on both sides of the ball. Salter set the tone with a 12-play, 70-yard opening drive capped by his own 9-yard touchdown run. He finished 13-of-16 passing for 102 yards and added 25 yards on the ground.
Alejandro Mata’s 28-yard field goal extended the early lead to 10–0 before Delaware briefly closed the gap with a late second-quarter touchdown. That score energized the visitors, but Colorado’s offense quickly responded with a two-minute drill, capped by a short touchdown pass from Staub to DeKalon Taylor with nine seconds left in the half.
Big Plays After Halftime
The Buffaloes carried that momentum into the third quarter when Staub connected with Sincere Brown for a 71-yard strike, pushing the lead to 24–7. Brown finished with two catches for 107 yards, including another 36-yard reception that kept Delaware’s defense off balance.
While Staub provided the highlight plays, completing 7 of 10 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns, Colorado’s offense showed balance. The Buffs rushed for more than 120 yards, including a 10-yard fourth-quarter score by Micah Welch that sealed the win.
Head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders praised his quarterbacks for handling the rotation with composure. “We wanted to give each of them opportunities,” Sanders said. “They all showed us something. The important thing is we protected the football, moved the chains and finished drives.”
Defense Delivers Key Stops
Defensively, Colorado was equally effective. After surrendering one first-half touchdown, the Buffs stiffened, halting a potential scoring drive in the third quarter when linebackers Jeremiah Brown and Martavius French stuffed Delaware on fourth down inside the 10-yard line.
Colorado’s secondary also made an impact. Freshman RJ Johnson recorded his first career interception late in the game, and the Buffs consistently pressured the Blue Hens’ passing attack, limiting them to short gains.
Depth on Display
The win marked the second time in 10 years that Colorado had two quarterbacks throw for at least 100 yards in the same game, a feat last accomplished in 2015. More importantly, it demonstrated depth at multiple positions as the team prepares for its conference slate.
“We’re starting to see our identity come together,” Sanders said. “We ran the ball when we needed to, took shots downfield, and the defense stood tall in the red zone. That’s how you win consistently.”
Looking Ahead
The Buffaloes now turn their attention to Houston, where they will open Big 12 play on Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
