Buffs Get Big 12 Play Underway: Five Things to Know

HOUSTON — The Colorado Buffaloes hit the road for the first time in the 2025 season, opening the Big 12 Conference season Friday night (5:30 p.m. MT) against the Houston Cougars.

Friday will just be the second meeting all-time between Colorado and Houston. The Buffs lead the series 1-0, winning the Astro Bluebonnet Bowl, 29-17, on Dec. 31, 1971.

Colorado (1-1) picked up its first win, 31-7, last Saturday against Delaware. The Buffs notably played three quarterbacks in the win, with third-stringer Ryan Staub making waves, leading the trio with 157 yards passing and two touchdown passes. It was his first extensive action under center for the Buffs since starting the 2023 season finale at Utah. With his two touchdown passes, Staub is believed to be the first CU third-string quarterback with two passing scores in the same game.

Houston (2-0) has gotten off to a quick start to the season with wins over regional rivals Stephen F. Austin and Rice. The Cougars have outscored their opponents 62-9 this season, with Rice accounting for all nine points. Houston ranks 4th in the NCAA in scoring defense after its two games. The Cougars have also limited teams in the air, averaging 78 passing yards allowed per game, ranking 3rd in the nation in the category.

Five Things to Know

ASTRO – CU and Houston first met in the 1971 Astro Bluebonnet Bowl in the Houston Astrodome. CU running back Charlie Davis was named the game's MVP with 202 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Buffs finished the season 10-2 and No. 3 in the AP rankings following the game.
Houston History – Despite just having one matchup on the field, the Buffs have a rich tradition of players from the Houston area, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Cliff Branch, Butkus Award winner Alfred Williams and Thorpe winner Chris Hudson, among more than 40 other former letterwinners who came from Houston.
30 Something – After scoring 31 points against the Fighting Blue Hens, CU is now 9-0 over the past two seasons when scoring 30-plus points.
Kickin' It – Buck Buchanan has booted all 11 kickoffs out of the end zone to start the 2025 season, this after the Buffs had just 15 touchbacks on 76 kicks in 2024.
AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE – Damon Graves leads the Big 12 and is 12th nationally with a 47.6 punting average. This despite six of his punts coming near midfield or in plus territory, where he has pinned five of the six inside the 20, including three inside the 10 and two inside the 5-yard line.

Anish Shroff, Andrew Ware and Paul Carcaterra will be on the nationally televised call on ESPN.

Voice of the Buffs Mark Johnson and former head coach Gary Barnett will have pregame coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. MT on the Colorado Radio Network, locally on 850 KOA (AM) and 94.1 FM.

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Players Mentioned

Buck Buchanan

Ryan Staub