Underdog Stumbles: The Colorado Buffaloes faced a harsh welcome back to the Big 12 Conference, suffering a 36-20 defeat against the Houston Cougars on Friday, September 12, 2025. This Big 12 opener, held at TDECU Stadium in Houston, saw Head Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ team struggle for consistency against a well-prepared Houston squad, as reported by the University of Colorado Boulder Athletic Department.
The Big 12 Welcome
Colorado’s return to the Big 12 was highly anticipated, but the Cougars proved to be a tough first test. The Buffaloes entered the game with a 1-1 record after inconsistent non-conference performances, already carrying the underdog label into this matchup. According to The Denver Gazette, the game marked a significant moment for Colorado as they officially began their journey in the renewed conference.
Key Players and Performances
For Colorado, the game featured the first career start for quarterback Ryan Staub in a Big 12 contest. Staub had previously shown promise, completing 7 of 10 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns against Delaware. However, the Houston defense presented a far greater challenge. Running back Simeon Price provided a spark, highlighted by a 38-yard rush in the second quarter, capping off a 93-yard drive. Defensively, senior defensive back Preston Hodge acknowledged the need for improvement following the game.
Houston, under the guidance of Head Coach Willie Fritz, showcased a balanced attack. Quarterback Conner Weigman and tight end Tanner Koziol connected effectively, while Dean Connors led a highly efficient rushing attack. Houston’s defense, which had only allowed nine points in their first two games, continued its strong performance.
Game Dynamics: A Tale of Two Halves
Colorado experienced a slow start, falling behind 10-0 to Houston in the first quarter. While the Buffaloes’ offense showed signs of life in the second quarter, narrowing the lead to 13-7, Houston maintained control throughout much of the game. A key factor was Houston’s consistency, scoring on eight of their 12 drives. Colorado, in contrast, struggled with offensive consistency and clock management, particularly in the third quarter.
Coach Prime’s Reaction
“No one could have told me that this game was going to turn out like this,” Coach Prime stated after the game, as reported by the University of Colorado Boulder Athletic Department. He expressed his disappointment with the team’s preparation and overall performance, emphasizing the need for significant improvements.
Analyzing the Defeat
Several factors contributed to Colorado’s loss. The defense, which had previously allowed over 400 yards, including 320 on the ground, against Georgia Tech, continued to struggle against Houston’s strong rushing attack. The inexperience of a new starting quarterback in a crucial conference game also played a role. Coach Sanders has instilled an “underdog mentality” within his team, aiming to use doubt as motivation. However, in this game, it wasn’t enough to overcome Houston’s consistent and effective play.
The Impact on the Season
This loss drops Colorado to a 1-2 overall record and an 0-1 start in Big 12 play. According to Athlon Sports, this result raises concerns about their standing in the conference, with updated Big 12 power rankings placing the Buffaloes at No. 13. Coach Sanders emphasized the need for comprehensive improvements, particularly in defensive performance and offensive consistency, if they are to compete effectively in the Big 12.
Looking Ahead: Overcoming the Underdog Label
The Buffaloes’ initial Big 12 test revealed areas needing immediate attention. The defense must find ways to contain opposing run games, and the offense needs to establish greater consistency and efficiency, especially with a young quarterback at the helm. Coach Prime’s ability to rally his team and address these shortcomings will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the Big 12 Conference. The team’s response to this early setback will define their trajectory for the remainder of the season.
