It shouldn't come as a surprise that junior quarterback Connor Wood won the starting job in Boulder. But CU made it official today, meaning Wood will kick off the Mike MacIntyre era under center when the Buffs take on Colorado State in Denver on Sunday.
A former high school All-American at Second Baptist High School in Houston, Wood began his career at Texas before transferring to Colorado after the 2010 season. He played in seven games last year with one start, compiling 265 yards and four interceptions while completing 21 of 42 pass attempts. Not exactly confidence-inspiring numbers, but what other choice does MacIntyre have?
Former starters Nick Hirschman and Jordan Webb were both out of the running after Hirschman transferred to Akron, and Webb sustained a torn ACL in spring ball before being arrested on second-degree assault charges. Former prized recruit Shane Dillon left the team in July to pursue basketball.
Wood's only real competition came from true freshman Sefo Liufau, who will start the season as his primary backup. Webb (who may not ever play another down of college football), JC transfer Jordan Gehrke and sophomore Stevie Joe Dorman are the other quarterbacks on the roster.
Colorado State has a quarterback quandary of its own; a three-way competition between junior Garrett Grayson, sophomore Conner Smith and true freshman Nick Stevens, with the Week 1 depth chart set to be released today.