With only hours to go before the highly anticipated Alamo Bowl, the Colorado Buffaloes and the BYU Cougars are prepared to clash on December 28, 2024. Scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. EST at the Alamodome in San Antonio, this matchup is more than just another game; it's laden with emotion and significance.
For Colorado, this bowl game marks the end of an era, particularly for head coach Deion Sanders, who will be bidding farewell to the program’s standout players: his sons, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and safety Shilo Sanders, along with star receiver and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Coach Sanders expressed the conflicting emotions he feels about witnessing his sons play their final collegiate game. "It’s gonna be something to behold," he said, referring to Hunter. "I don’t know how I’m gonna handle it. I know Travis is gonna trigger me... he’s gonna bring tears out of my eyes." The anticipation is palpable, and it’s clear what the stakes are for the Buffaloes.
Colorado enters this matchup as three-point favorites and is eager to secure their first bowl win since 2004, when they triumphed over UTEP at the Houston Bowl. With their recent resurgence under Coach Sanders, the Buffaloes reflect on their impressive season, which saw them finish with a record of 9-3.
Notably, this bowl game provides the Buffs with something beyond just pride; it serves as the culmination to their efforts to restore Colorado to national prominence. After two years of hard work, Shedeur Sanders led the charge with record-setting performances, boasting 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns this season alone, breaking the single-season passing record previously held for 28 years. The impressive numbers are accompanied by the legacy Shedeur aims to leave behind, underscoring the significance of this final game.
Equally impressive is Travis Hunter's noteworthy season, marked by his Heisman-winning achievements, including 1,152 receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns on offense, combined with 31 total tackles on defense. "I want to finish it off right," Hunter stated when discussing his decision to play, showing commitment to the school and coaching staff even as he transitions to the next level. Hunter’s performance will be instrumental if Colorado hopes to take home the win.
The Buffaloes will have their work cut out for them against the BYU Cougars, who boast one of the best defenses in the league, giving up only 20.1 points per game. The Cougars finished their regular season strong with a 10-2 record, narrowly missing the Big 12 Championship title. Coach Kalani Sitake’s crew has been preparing diligently and is ready to match the Buffaloes’ intensity on the field.
This isn't the first time these two teams have met on such significant ground; the last bowl encounter was back on December 29, 1988, when BYU triumphed 20-17 at the Freedom Bowl. Historical matchups fuel the competitive fire, and both teams have their eyes set on proving something to fans and critics alike. Deion Sanders humorously indicated the fun rivalry extends beyond the field when he playfully commented on Sitake's attire, complimenting his “on-point” shoe game, which Sitake humorously deflected by downplaying his fashion sense.
Broadcasted on ABC, with live commentary by announcers Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, and Taylor McGregor, the Alamo Bowl promises to entertain viewers across the nation. Beyond the professional analyses and witty banter, the game itself serves as the backdrop for individual players’ aspirations, particularly for those like Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, who are projected as first-round NFL draft picks.
Leading up to the game, Coach Sanders expressed his resolve to play all his stars, stating emphatically, "We don’t tap out. We don’t sit out. It’s a blessing to play this wonderful game, and our kids are gonna play.” This commitment resonates strongly with the squad, emphasizing the pride they have in representing Colorado, particularly for the departing players who have poured their heart and soul over their two seasons with the Buffs.
With stakes high and emotions running even higher, the stage is set for what promises to be thrilling among players and fans alike. Will Colorado finally break their two-decade bowl game drought, or will BYU continue to showcase their formidable prowess under pressure? The outcome of the Alamo Bowl has far-reaching consequences for both programs, but for the players involved — particularly the three athletes taking the last snaps of their college careers — the chance to secure one final victory is what makes this occasion all the more significant.
