BYU Defeats Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. A Memorable Finale for Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders
A Final Showdown for Two Rising Stars
In a highly anticipated matchup, Brigham Young University (BYU) delivered a crushing blow to Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders’ farewell game at Colorado. The 17th-ranked Cougars triumphed over the 23rd-ranked Buffaloes with a commanding 36-14 victory in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday night. This game marked not just a historic milestone for BYU but also a defining chapter in the careers of two exceptional young athletes.
Game Highlights: BYU Takes Control
BYU started the game strong, leading 20-0 by halftime. This dominant performance highlighted ongoing issues for Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders during his second year at the helm. The Buffaloes struggled to establish a productive ground game and protect their quarterback in the pocket.
Up 10-0, BYU extended their lead with a stunning 64-yard punt return by Parker Kingston in the second quarter, putting Colorado further on the back foot. Despite two interceptions thrown by BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff, the Cougars capitalized on key opportunities to solidify their lead.
Standout Performances from Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders
Travis Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, showcased his skill with a spectacular 43-yard touchdown reception from Shedeur Sanders in the third quarter. Unfortunately, this would be one of the few bright spots for Colorado during the game. Despite Hunter’s brilliance, the team couldn’t match BYU’s intensity and execution.
Both Hunter and Sanders are top-tier NFL prospects and are expected to be first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ahead of the game, Colorado ensured both players were insured against injury, reflecting the high stakes and their value to the team.
The Alamo Bowl in Context: Big 12 vs. Pac-12
The Alamo Bowl is a storied college football tradition, typically featuring teams from the Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences. However, the disbandment of the Pac-12 before the 2024 season left only Washington State and Oregon State in the conference, altering the dynamics of this year’s selections.
While BYU and Colorado didn’t meet during the regular season, they entered this game as underdogs vying for prominence in their respective conferences. Alamo Bowl organizers previously announced plans to feature a team from both the Pac-12 and Big 12, opting for Colorado to face BYU or Iowa State based on the outcome of the Big 12 Championship.
A Victory to Remember for BYU
BYU’s win marked their 11th victory of the season, their first double-digit win record since 2020, and the first in a non-pandemic season since 2009. The Cougars’ achievement is a testament to their growth and resilience. On the other hand, Colorado faced disappointment but remains poised for future success.
The Buffaloes have built momentum since their five-win campaign in 2024 and look set to continue their upward trajectory. They recently secured a commitment from five-star quarterback JuJu Lewis and added former Liberty QB Kaidon Salter via the transfer portal, signalling bright prospects ahead.
A Memorable Finale and Promising Futures
For Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, the Alamo Bowl was more than a game—it was a capstone to a season filled with highlights and challenges. Though the Buffaloes fell short, their contributions to Colorado’s legacy will be remembered for years to come.
Looking Ahead
BYU demonstrated their strength and potential, setting the stage for a promising future. Meanwhile, Colorado must learn from this defeat to prepare for the challenges ahead. Fans will eagerly follow the journeys of both teams, hopeful that stars like Hunter and Sanders will continue to deliver excitement in the seasons to come.
