The Colorado Buffaloes dropped to 1–2 on the season Friday night after a 36–20 loss to the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. While the scoreboard tells a story of missed chances and defensive lapses, the game also revealed flashes of resilience and untapped potential that could shape the Buffs’ trajectory as the season unfolds.

First Quarter Blues

Colorado opened the game flat, failing to score in the first quarter while Houston jumped ahead with a 10-point burst. The Cougars’ early touchdown—a 4-yard rush by D. Connors—was upheld after review, setting the tone for a night where Houston’s offense dictated pace and possession.

The Buffs’ inability to establish rhythm early has become a troubling trend. Offensive coordinator play-calling leaned conservative, and quarterback R. Staub struggled to find open lanes or connect downfield. The lack of urgency in the opening minutes left Colorado playing catch-up for the remainder of the game.

Second Quarter Spark

Colorado’s best stretch came in the second quarter, where they posted 14 points and briefly seized momentum. A 38-yard touchdown run by S. Price electrified the sideline, followed by a bizarre but fortuitous fumble recovery in the end zone after Staub’s scramble was jarred loose at the 1-yard line.

Despite the surge, the Buffs couldn’t sustain drives. Houston answered with two field goals and a touchdown of their own, keeping Colorado at arm’s length and exposing gaps in the Buffs’ secondary.

Second-Half Slide

The third quarter was a regression. Colorado was shut out while Houston added 10 more points, including a 1-yard touchdown run by C. Weigman. The Buffs’ defense, which had shown flashes of grit earlier, began to unravel under pressure. Missed tackles and blown coverages allowed Houston to extend drives and bleed the clock.

Staub’s late-game touchdown pass to J. Williams—a 37-yard strike—offered a glimpse of what this offense could be with better protection and tempo. But it was too little, too late.

The Verdict

This was a winnable game. Houston played well, but not flawlessly. Colorado’s loss stemmed more from self-inflicted wounds than overwhelming opposition. The Buffs committed costly errors in clock management, failed to convert on third downs, and struggled to contain Houston’s balanced attack.

Still, there’s reason for cautious optimism. The second-quarter rally showed that when the Buffs play fast and aggressive, they can compete. Staub’s arm talent is evident, and the run game—led by Price—has bite. If the coaching staff can tighten execution and instill urgency from the opening whistle, Colorado could turn the corner.

Looking Ahead

The Buffs return home next week to face a ranked opponent, and the stakes are rising. Fans at Folsom Field will be looking not just for a win, but for signs of growth. The Dispatch will be watching closely.

For now, the Buffaloes remain a team in transition—flawed, but not without promise.