The Colorado Buffaloes entered the 2024 Alamo Bowl with aspirations of capping off their promising season with their first bowl victory since 2004. Instead, they faced disappointment as the BYU Cougars triumphed with a convincing 36-14 win on December 31, 2024, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
The Buffaloes, under the guidance of head coach Deion Sanders, aimed to solidify their position after finishing the regular season with a 9-3 record and achieving top 25 rankings. But right from the kickoff, it was clear this game would be challenging. A slow start saw Colorado fall behind 20-0 by halftime, as they struggled to overcome their early setbacks.
Colorado's offensive line proved to be its Achilles' heel. The team failed to establish its ground game and was plagued by turnovers, including several penalties. The Buffs managed only three first downs and mustered just 61 total yards of offense through the first two quarters. Meanwhile, they accumulated 50 penalty yards, reflecting significant discipline issues reminiscent of past struggles under Coach Prime at Jackson State.
While the defense had some moments of promise, including interceptions by DJ McKinney and Anquin Barnes, even they could not stem the tide of BYU's offensive onslaught. Special teams issues compounded the problems. Alejandro Mata missed a key 48-yard field goal, and the Cougars capitalized when Parker Kingston returned a Buffs’ punt for 64 yards to score, handing BYU a 20-point cushion at the half.
Despite the grim first half performance, leaders Such as star quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter emerged from the locker room renewed, taking part in what would become their final college football game.
Though Shedeur Sanders passed for 208 yards, completing 70% of his passes with two touchdowns to two interceptions, it was Hunter who shined as the game progressed. Following the break, the tandem connected for a 43-yard touchdown, bringing the Buffs onto the scoreboard. Hunter finished the game with four receptions for 106 yards and left his mark on the field, showcasing his dual-threat capability as he also contributed on defense.
Reflecting on their decision not to sit out the game due to impending NFL opportunities, Hunter said, “It's definitely important because I started this thing with Coach Prime and Shedeur and most of the coaches on the coaching staff. So I want to finish it off right.” His choice emphasized not only personal commitment but also loyalty to his teammates and the program.
After the game, Coach Sanders expressed mixed emotions as he considered the end of the road for prominent players like Hunter and his sons, Shedeur and Shilo. “The tremendous, tumultuous journeys... It has been a heck of ajourney. And I’m thankful and appreciative,” he explained, hinting at the emotional weight of the moment.
Despite the losses, both players embody the essence of growth within the program as they head toward the NFL Draft. Coach Prime has built Colorado football toward something considerable, aiming to establish it as both sustainable and competitive.
Finishing the season at 9-4 also showcases Colorado's potential, but the missed chance at bowl victory presents questions about future adjustments and preparations. With such significant takeaways from this bowl game, it serves as both a lesson learned and stepping stone for the Colorado Buffaloes and their rising aspirations under Deion Sanders.
