If nothing else, Deion Sanders is entertaining.
Sanders used three quarterbacks in the Colorado Buffaloes’ 31-7 win over the Delaware Blue Hens, and it was third-stringer Ryan Staub who impressed his coach the most and earned the start for Friday night’s game against the Houston Cougars.
However, my Colorado vs. Houston predictions break down why this move at QB won't be enough for the Buffs to cover as 4.5-point underdogs.
Check out which way my college football picks are leaning for September 12.
Colorado vs Houston predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early Colorado vs Houston spread pick: Houston -4.5
It felt like Deion Sanders was just throwing shit at the wall and seeing what stuck in Colorado's Week 2 win over Delaware.
Quarterback Kaidon Salter got the start and wasn’t necessarily bad, completing 13 of 16 passes for 102 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, while adding 25 yards and a rushing score.
However, Salter lacks the explosive downfield arm that Sanders prefers, which Ryan Staub brought in relief, airing it out for 157 yards and two touchdowns in the second half.
Doing this against a Blue Hens squad that was playing its first FBS opponent is one thing. Doing it against Houston will prove much more difficult.
The Cougars enter this game with a 2-0 record after a 35-9 win over Rice last week, and it has been the Houston D that has carried this team early on.
Former Tulane head coach Willie Fritz has built a unit powered by its defensive line. This group already has five sacks this season, and the Colorado offensive line still looks like it is full of holes. That’s not a good thing for an inexperienced QB.
This could also be a big game for former Texas A&M QB Connor Weigman, facing a Colorado defense that just allowed a former FCS program to pass for over 300 yards.
Early Colorado vs Houston total pick: Over 44.5
This total hit the board at 43.5 and has ticked up to 44.5, and I’m agreeing with the early money.
Not only does Houston have Weigman, but running back Dean Connors rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries in the win over Rice, giving this Cougars’ offense some balance.
That’s a problem for a Colorado defense that entered this game ranked 126th in defensive success rate and 115th in defensive EPA.
Houston's stop unit has been excellent this season, but I expect Deion to scheme up just enough offense to push this game Over.
Colorado vs Houston odds
- Colorado vs. Houston spread: Houston -4.5
- Colorado vs. Houston moneyline: Colorado +168, Houston -205
- Colorado vs. Houston Over/Under: 44.5
How to watch Colorado vs Houston
- Colorado vs. Houston matchup
- Date: Friday, September 12, 2025, 7:30 p.m. ET
- City: Houston, TX
- Venue: TDECU Stadium
- TV: ESPN
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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