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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
