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Colorado is going back to Kaidon Salter at quarterback this Saturday against Wyoming, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reports. The Liberty transfer started the season opener but was replaced by Ryan Staub last week against Houston. The Buffs will make the switch before their final non-conference game, with Big 12 play looming.
Coach Prime’s quarterback carousel has been spinning wildly through three games. None of the three options — Salter, Staub, or five-star freshman Julian Lewis — has grabbed hold of the job. Salter showed promise in the Georgia Tech loss, throwing for a touchdown and running for another score, but couldn’t separate himself from the pack.
Lewis got his feet wet against Delaware with limited snaps, completing just 2 passes for 8 yards. Meanwhile, Salter was efficient (13-of-16 for 102 yards with a rushing TD), but Staub stole the show by throwing for 158 yards and two touchdowns.
That performance earned Staub the starting nod against Houston.
It didn’t go well. Staub tossed two interceptions while hitting just 19 of 35 passes for 204 yards in Colorado’s 36-20 loss. His 29-yard scramble showed some mobility, but the overall performance wasn’t enough to keep the job.
What Coach Prime Wants
Sanders didn’t mince words when asked what he’s looking for from his quarterback position.
“Leadership and consistency,” Sanders said Tuesday. “That’s it. That ain’t much to ask for, is it?”
Salter — who transferred after throwing for 2,876 yards and 32 touchdowns at Liberty last season — has shown flashes of both qualities. The junior quarterback now gets another chance to prove he can be the answer for a Colorado offense desperately seeking stability.
The Buffs need to get things figured out quickly. They’re already behind in the Big 12 race after dropping their conference opener to Houston, and Wyoming (2-1) won’t be a pushover at Folsom Field on Saturday. While questions remain about whether any of these quarterbacks can consistently produce in Sanders’ system, Salter will get the next opportunity to silence the doubters.
