The 2024 Alamo Bowl is set to showcase the Colorado Buffaloes as they take on the BYU Cougars, marking one of the most anticipated college football matchups of the postseason. Scheduled for December 28, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, this game highlights the journeys of both teams through the 2023 season.
This season has been particularly momentous for the Colorado Buffaloes (9-3), who entered the Alamo Bowl with heightened expectations following significant improvements under head coach Deion Sanders. The Buffaloes are coming off notable victories, including a dominant 52-0 win over Oklahoma State, which capped off their regular season. This bowl appearance marks their first since the 2020 Alamo Bowl and only their third over the past 19 years, signaling a remarkable turnaround for the program.
Colorado's season was not without its challenges, but the leadership of Sanders, and standout performances from key players like Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, have placed the Buffaloes back on the map. Hunter, who recently won the prestigious Heisman Trophy, alongside his father, Coach Sanders, has brought renewed attention to the program. "We’re still on our way," Sanders stated, reflecting the ambitious spirit within the team as they prepare for this pivotal game.
On the other hand, the BYU Cougars (10-2) are entering the 2024 Alamo Bowl having had their own strong season. Although they started off the year strongly, finishing as contenders for the College Football Playoff discussion, they stumbled with two losses toward the end of their regular season. BYU will be eager to prove themselves against Colorado and solidify their place as one of the top teams in the Big 12.
The matchup is expected to draw significant attention thanks to its star-studded lineup. Shedeur Sanders, who ranks first nationally with a completion percentage of 74.2%, is poised to lead his team against BYU's formidable defense, which finished the regular season tied for first nationally with 20 interceptions. The stakes are high, as both Hunter and Shedeur are projected to be top-10 picks in the upcoming NFL draft. With high-profile games on the line, both players will also be playing under extensive insurance policies to mitigate the risk of injury during this key moment of their collegiate careers.
The Buffaloes entered the Alamo Bowl as slight favorites—currently favorited by 2.5 points—showing strong overall performance against the spread this season, bolstered by their offensive prowess and solid defensive strategies. Conversely, the Cougars have established themselves as physical competitors, ranking top within the Big 12 for both defense and offensive efficiency, which included limiting mistakes throughout the season.
Fans can catch the action live on ABC with coverage led by Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, and Taylor McGregor, enhancing the excitement around this prime-time bowl matchup. The game will also be available for streaming via the ESPN app and FuboTV, emphasizing the broad interest surrounding this compelling contest.
Already framed as the most attractive game not part of the College Football Playoff lineup, this matchup has intrigued sports analysts and fans alike. It offers not only the thrill of big plays and expert coaching but also the potential for significant career-defining moments for the athletes involved. With momentum on their side, both teams aim to grab the spotlight and look toward future successes on and off the field.
This Alamo Bowl is not merely another postseason exhibition; for Colorado, it offers the chance to cap off what has been touted as the second year of the ‘Coach Prime’ era with tangible success. For BYU, it promises to be the stage to return to competitive dominance after falling short of the season's ultimate goals.
The anticipation around the Alamo Bowl continues to build as it promises to deliver exciting football action, marked by the last college game for many notable athletes, and potentially, the future stars of professional football. Each player and each play will be watched closely as these young talents aim to leave their mark on college football history.
