BOULDER, Colo. -- Colorado third-string quarterback came off the bench to toss a pair of long touchdown passes to lead the Buffaloes to a 31-7 victory over Delaware Saturday at Folsom Field.
The first quarter saw the Buffaloes seize early momentum with a strong defensive performance and a strong offensive drive. Following a sack by that forced Delaware into a punting situation, orchestrated a 12-play, 87-yard drive, including rushes of 21 yards, and a 9-yard touchdown run at 5:33.
The Buffs extended their lead in the second when nailed a 28-yard field goal at the 13:03 mark, following Salter's efficient passing and rushing efforts. Delaware responded late in the quarter, capitalizing on a 45-yard pass to set up a touchdown with 45 seconds remaining. However, in a dramatic finish before halftime, Staub connected with for a 21-yard touchdown with just 9 seconds left, securing a 17-7 lead for the Buffs as the teams headed into the break.
The third period began with a strong offensive display from Colorado, highlighted by Staub's 71-yard touchdown pass to at 13:46, extending their lead to 24-7. Delaware attempted to respond with a lengthy 11-play drive, but the Buffs' defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs at their own 6-yard line. In the closing minutes, the Buffs' defense shone again as blocked a punt, setting up a drive that ended the period with a commanding lead.
The fourth quarter began with the Buffaloes taking advantage of a Delaware penalty, as Mata's 40-yard field goal attempt was nullified, leading to a fresh set of downs. Shortly after, capitalized with a 10-yard touchdown run at 14:13, extending the lead to 31-7. Defensively, interception at 8:21 halted Delaware's momentum, securing the win as the Buffs maintained their 24-point lead.
Brown recorded 120 receiving yards and a touchdown on four catches, leading the Buffs' offense. Salter completed 13 of 16 passes for 102 yards and added a rushing touchdown. On the defensive side, registered eight tackles and recovered a fumble. Johnson contributed with an interception, bolstering the secondary's efforts.