An otherwise encouraging season came to a disappointing close in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday evening as Colorado football suffered a 36-14 loss to the BYU Cougars.
Playing in their first bowl game since 2020, the Buffs were outplayed from start to finish. BYU led 27-0 midway through the third quarter with quarterback Jake Retzlaff, running back LJ Martin and linebacker Isaiah Glasker leading the charge.
Colorado closed its second season under head coach Deion Sanders at 9-4, marking a major step in the right direction. However, Coach Prime will move forward without the services of quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who closed their college careers in San Antonio.
Below is more on Colorado’s disappointing night at the Alamodome:
The good
Although Colorado’s offense couldn’t capitalize, the Buffs’ defense came up with two interceptions in the first half. Cornerback DJ McKinney picked off a trick play pass and defensive tackle Anquin Barnes Jr. got lucky on a tipped shovel pass.
Later, safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig snagged his first interception of the season with BYU threatening to score.
The bad
Partly due to right tackle Phillip Houston’s injury, Colorado’s offensive line gave Shedeur Sanders little time in the pocket. Tyler Brown struggled in Houston’s place and was ultimately benched in favor of walk-on Ben Reznik.
The Buffs produced only two rushing yards (36 without sacks factored in) and Sanders took four sacks.
Standout offensive players
Travis Hunter was the only offensive player who did much for Colorado, finishing with 106 receiving yards and one touchdown. LaJohntay Wester also had a decent night with 51 receiving yards, and tight end Sav’ell Smalls caught his first career touchdown.
Standout defensive players
Two players earn my nod here: Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig and defensive tackle Chidozie Nwankwo. Silmon-Craig had six tackles, 1.5 TFLs and one interception, and Nwankwo tallied seven tackles, 1.5 TFLs and a forced fumble.
Still, the Buffs’ defense struggled on third downs and allowed three plays of at least 20 yards.
Colorado stat leaders
Passing: Shedeur Sanders, 208 yards, two TDs, two interceptions
Rushing: Micah Welch, 25 yards
Receiving: Travis Hunter, 106 yards, one TD
Total tackles: Shilo Sanders, eight
BYU stat leaders
Passing: Jake Retzlaff, 151 yards, two interceptions
Rushing: LJ Martin, 93 yards, two TDs
Receiving: LJ Marting, 33 yards
Total tackles: Isaiah Glasker, eight
Coach Prime quote
Coach Prime shared the following quote in his postgame presser (h/t Scott Procter of DNVR Buffs): “We’re not happy with the results, but we’re happy with the journey.”
What’s next?
We’ve officially reached another important offseason for Coach Prime’s program. With Shedeur Sanders moving on to the NFL, the biggest storyline this offseason will be the starting quarterback battle between incoming freshman Julian Lewis and Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter.
This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Recapping Colorado’s ugly Alamo Bowl loss to BYU
