Colorado's Pat Shurmur Opens Up About Quarterback Kaidon Salter's Consistency

The Colorado Buffaloes picked up an upset win over the Iowa State Cyclones by a final score of 24-17. Buffaloes offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur gave his assessment of where the offense is with starting quarterback Kaidon Salter.

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Colorado Buffaloes got back in the win column with a 24-17 win over the Iowa State Cyclones. This was the Buffaloes first win in Big 12 conference play. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur gave his thoughts on where this offense is at right now while touching on what he’s seen from quarterback Kaidon Salter and the offensive line. 

Pat Shurmur on Colorado Offense: “We’re Getting Better”

Apr 27, 2024; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur during a spring game event at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Shurmur is pleased with the direction that the Colorado offense is trending. This was a totally new team coming into this season with youth all over the place. 

“I think we’re getting better each game. We always point towards consistency. I think when you watch us play, there’s things we’re doing a lot better this better this year than we did last year,” Shurmur said to reporters. “There’s reason to be optimistic with this team…It’s a young football team that’s getting better. We’ll get a lot better by playing together more.”

He also talked about starting quarterback Kaidon Salter, who was been in and out of the lineup this season. Salter played well against Iowa State, going 16/25 passing for 255 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. 

“I think he’s making more plays and being involved in less bad plays. I think that points to consistency," Shurmur said. “He’s working hard at things and I think it’s showing up in the games.”

Shurmur also spoke highly about the offensive line and the staff around that unit. 

Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) passes the ball in the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

“It’s been good…We went out and got in my opinion, better players. I think the guys working with them are doing a hell of a job,” Shurmur said. “I think the improvement of that room personnel wise and then obviously the guys working with them are doing a really good job.”

2025 has been a dramatic transition for the Colorado offense. Shurmur is in his second full season as Buffaloes offensive coordinator and has had to adjust to having a new starting quarterback and top weapons that he had in year one. 

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Colorado Picks Up Big Win vs. Iowa State, Bye Week Next

Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Joseph Williams (8) celebrates his first down in the fourth quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The win over Iowa State was an important one. The Cyclones were ranked No. 22 in the AP Poll at the time and had they beat Colorado, the Buffaloes would have dropped to 2-5 on the season and 0-4 in Big 12 play. 

The upset win in front of the Folsom Field crowd got Colorado up to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in Big 12 play. A bowl game berth is still not going to be easy, but there is a clearer path now. 

Colorado now has a bye week before a road test against the No. 23 Utah Utes on Saturday, Oct. 25.