The BYU Cougars capped off an impressive 2024 season with a dominant 36-14 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes in the Alamo Bowl on December 28th. The Cougars showcased their physicality on both sides of the ball, overwhelming Colorado at the line of scrimmage and finishing the season with an 11-2 record.
For Colorado, the loss marked the end of a promising but inconsistent season, as they finished 9-4. Despite standout performances throughout the year from players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, the Buffaloes’ inability to establish a running game proved costly against BYU’s relentless front seven.
The Trenches Define the Game
From the opening snap, BYU’s offensive and defensive lines dictated the tempo. Offensively, the Cougars leaned on their physicality to establish the run, combining for 186 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Two of those scores came from L.J. Martin, while Sioni Moa added another to cap off a dominant ground performance. On the defensive side, BYU smothered Colorado’s rushing attack, which had been a weakness all season. The Buffaloes were held to an astonishing -2 rushing yards for the game. Micah Welch led Colorado’s rushing effort with just 25 yards, while Isaiah Augustave added 11 yards. However, sacks on quarterback Shedeur Sanders resulted in a net loss of 34 rushing yards, underscoring the struggles of Colorado’s offensive line.
BYU’s defense also made its presence felt in the passing game. Isaiah Glaskier was the star of the night, leading the team with six total tackles, five solo tackles, and one interception. The Cougars’ suffocating defense sacked Sanders four times and intercepted him twice, stifling Colorado’s offense despite flashes of brilliance in the passing game.
Colorado’s Passing Game Shines, but Not Enough
Despite the loss, Colorado’s aerial attack had its moments. Sanders threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns, finding targets like Travis Hunter and Sav’ell Smalls in the end zone. Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner, lived up to his billing with 106 receiving yards and one touchdown while also contributing four tackles on defense. However, the lack of balance on offense made it difficult for the Buffaloes to sustain drives. With BYU keying in on the passing game, Sanders faced relentless pressure all night, leading to mistakes and missed opportunities.
While Colorado’s receiving corps turned heads all season, the Alamo Bowl demonstrated the limitations of a one-dimensional offense. Without a reliable running game to complement Sanders’ arm, the Buffaloes struggled to maintain rhythm against a physical and disciplined BYU defense.
BYU Overcomes Mistakes
BYU’s offense wasn’t flawless, particularly through the air. Quarterbacks Jake Retzlaff and Gerry Bohanon combined for just a 52% completion rate, throwing for 151 yards and three interceptions. However, the Cougars compensated for their struggles in the passing game with their dominant rushing attack and stifling defense. BYU’s ability to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball was the ultimate difference, allowing them to overcome their mistakes and keep Colorado at bay.
A Fitting End for BYU
For BYU, the victory was a testament to their physical identity and disciplined approach. The Cougars consistently won the battle in the trenches, embodying the “hit-you-in-the-mouth” style of football that propelled them to an 11-win season. The Alamo Bowl win further cements BYU’s reputation as a program capable of competing with top-tier teams.
Looking Ahead
Colorado’s 2024 campaign was a step forward in many ways, but the team’s glaring weaknesses need to be addressed. Building a more balanced offensive attack and improving their line play will be crucial for the Buffaloes if they hope to take the next step as a program.
For BYU, the season-ending victory adds to the momentum as they look to build on their success heading into 2025. With a strong foundation in the trenches, the Cougars appear poised to remain a force in college football.
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