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Recap of Colorado’s ugly Alamo Bowl loss to BYU

Posted on by Taylor Reeves
Recap of Colorado’s ugly Alamo Bowl loss to BYU

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) is tackled by Brigham Young Cougars safety Raider Damuni (3) in the second quarter at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) is tackled by Brigham Young Cougars safety Raider Damuni (3) in the second quarter at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

An otherwise encouraging season came to a disappointing end Saturday night in the Alamo Bowl as Colorado football suffered a 36-14 loss to the BYU Cougars.

In their first bowl game since 2020, the Buffs were outplayed from start to finish. BYU led 27-0 midway through the third quarter with quarterback Jake Retzlaff, running back LJ Martin and linebacker Isaiah Glasker leading the way.

Colorado finished 9-4 in its second season under head coach Deion Sanders, marking a major step in the right direction. However, Coach Prime will move forward without the services of quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who finished their college careers in San Antonio.

Read more about Colorado’s disappointing night at the Alamodome below:

The good

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback DJ McKinney (8) intercepts a pass intended for Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) during the first quarter at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesDec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback DJ McKinney (8) intercepts a pass intended for Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) during the first quarter at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback DJ McKinney (8) intercepts a pass intended for Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) during the first quarter at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Although Colorado’s offense couldn’t capitalize, the Buffs’ defense had two interceptions in the first half. Cornerback DJ McKinney caught a trick-play pass and defensive tackle Anquin Barnes Jr. got lucky on a tipped shovel pass.

Later, safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig grabbed his first interception of the season as BYU threatened to score.

The bad

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) falls back into the pocket on a play in the first quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesDec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) falls back into the pocket on a play in the first quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) falls back into the pocket on a play in the first quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Due in part to right tackle Phillip Houston’s injury, Colorado’s offensive line left Shedeur Sanders with little time in the pocket. Tyler Brown struggled in Houston’s place and was eventually benched in favor of backup Ben Reznik.

The Buffs produced just two rushing yards (36 not counting sacks) and Sanders picked up four sacks.

Outstanding offensive players

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesDec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Travis Hunter was the only offensive player to do much for Colorado, with 106 receiving yards and a touchdown. LaJohntay Wester also had a decent night with 51 receiving yards and tight end Sav’ell Smalls caught his first career touchdown.

Outstanding defensive players

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) and safety Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (7) attempt to tackle Brigham Young Cougars tight end Ryner Swanson (80) during the second quarter at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesDec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) and safety Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (7) attempt to tackle Brigham Young Cougars tight end Ryner Swanson (80) during the second quarter at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) and safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig (7) attempt to tackle Brigham Young Cougars tight end Ryner Swanson (80) during the second quarter at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Two players deserve my nod here: Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig and defensive tackle Chidozie Nwankwo. Silmon-Craig had six tackles, 1.5 TFLs and one interception, and Nwankwo had seven tackles, 1.5 TFLs and a forced fumble.

Still, the Buffs defense struggled on third downs, allowing three plays of at least 20 yards.

Colorado Stats Guide

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) reacts after a penalty is called in the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesDec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) reacts after a penalty is called in the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) reacts after a penalty is called in the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Consist: Shedeur Sanders, 208 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions

Rush: Micah Welch, 25 yards

Reception: Travis Hunter, 106 yards, one TD

Total tackles: Shilo Sanders, eight

BYU Stats Guide

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (27) runs with the ball past Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Brendan Gant (38) in the first quarter at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesDec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (27) runs with the ball past Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Brendan Gant (38) in the first quarter at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (27) runs with the ball past Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Brendan Gant (38) in the first quarter at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Consist: Jake Retzlaff, 151 yards, two interceptions

Rush: LJ Martin, 93 yards, two touchdowns

Reception: LJ Marting, 33 yards

Total tackles: Isaiah Glasker, eight

Quote from Coach Prime

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders reacts on the sideline after a second quarter play against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesDec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders reacts on the sideline after a second quarter play against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders reacts on the sideline after a second quarter play against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Alamodome. Mandatory attribution: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Coach Prime shared the following quote in his post-game press release (h/t Scott Procter of DNVR Buffs): “We’re not happy with the results, but we’re happy with the journey.”

What’s next?

Oct. 20, 2023; Carrollton, GA, USA; Carrollton Trojans quarterback Julian Lewis (10) drops back to pass against the Westlake Lions during the first half at Grisham Stadium. The 15-year-old Carrollton High student has already committed to play for the University of Southern California Trojans and is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in high school. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY SportsOct. 20, 2023; Carrollton, GA, USA; Carrollton Trojans quarterback Julian Lewis (10) drops back to pass against the Westlake Lions during the first half at Grisham Stadium. The 15-year-old Carrollton High student has already committed to play for the University of Southern California Trojans and is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in high school. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

We have officially reached another important offseason for Coach Prime’s program. With Shedeur Sanders heading to the NFL, the most important storyline this offseason will be the starting quarterback battle between newcomer Julian Lewis and Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter.

This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Recap of Colorado’s ugly Alamo Bowl loss to BYU

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