
In a commanding display at the 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl, the No. 17 BYU Cougars overpowered the No. 23 Colorado Buffaloes with a 36-14 victory, leaving fans and analysts buzzing about the Cougars’ prowess and the Buffaloes’ missed opportunities.
A Night of Dominance: BYU’s Unstoppable Force
From the outset, BYU asserted control, with running back LJ Martin spearheading the offense. Martin’s exceptional performance, amassing 138 rushing yards and two touchdowns, earned him the Offensive MVP honors. His agility and power consistently breached Colorado’s defensive lines, setting the tone for the Cougars’ ground game.
Quarterback Jake Retzlaff complemented the rushing attack by delivering precise passes under pressure. Retzlaff’s composure and decision-making were instrumental in maintaining offensive momentum, keeping Colorado’s defense on their heels throughout the game.
Defensive Mastery: Stifling the Buffaloes
BYU’s defense was equally formidable, effectively neutralizing Colorado’s offensive threats. Linebacker Isaiah Glasker, who secured the Defensive MVP title, was pivotal in this effort. Glasker’s relentless pursuit and strategic tackles disrupted the Buffaloes’ rhythm, limiting their scoring opportunities and forcing critical turnovers.
The Cougars’ defensive line exhibited exceptional discipline, containing Colorado’s rushing attempts and applying consistent pressure on their quarterback. This comprehensive defensive strategy resulted in the Buffaloes struggling to find any offensive foothold.
Colorado’s Struggles: A Night to Forget
The Buffaloes, under the guidance of Coach Deion “Prime” Sanders, entered the game with high expectations but were unable to match BYU’s intensity. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders faced relentless pressure, leading to hurried throws and missed connections with his receiving corps.
Colorado’s running game was virtually nonexistent, accumulating a mere two rushing yards—a testament to BYU’s defensive dominance. Despite a late surge that added two touchdowns in the second half, the Buffaloes were unable to overcome the early deficit.
Intriguing Moments: Highlights of the Clash
One of the game’s most electrifying moments occurred when BYU’s Parker Kingston returned a punt 64 yards for a touchdown, showcasing remarkable speed and vision. This play not only energized the Cougars’ sideline but also deflated Colorado’s morale, emphasizing the special teams’ impact on the game’s outcome.
Additionally, kicker Will Ferrin etched his name into the Alamo Bowl record books with a 54-yard field goal just before halftime, extending BYU’s lead to 20-0. This impressive kick highlighted Ferrin’s range and accuracy, providing a significant momentum boost heading into the locker room.
Player Ratings: Standout Performances
LJ Martin (BYU, RB): 9.5/10 – A powerhouse on the ground, his performance was instrumental in BYU’s offensive success.
Jake Retzlaff (BYU, QB): 8.5/10 – Demonstrated poise and precision, effectively managing the game and making crucial plays.
Isaiah Glasker (BYU, LB): 9/10 – Defensive stalwart whose playmaking abilities stifled Colorado’s offense.
Shedeur Sanders (Colorado, QB): 6/10 – Struggled under pressure but showed resilience in the second half.
Travis Hunter (Colorado, WR/DB): 6.5/10 – Flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball but limited by BYU’s defense.
A Record-Breaking Audience: The Nation Watches
The matchup drew significant attention, with over 8 million viewers tuning in, making it the most-watched non-playoff or New Year’s Six bowl game since 2020. The high viewership underscores the growing prominence of both programs and the increasing appeal of the Alamo Bowl as a premier postseason contest.
Conclusion: BYU’s Ascendancy and Colorado’s Reflection
BYU’s comprehensive victory not only cements their status as a formidable force in college football but also raises questions about Colorado’s preparedness for high-stakes matchups. As the Cougars celebrate their triumph, the Buffaloes are left to reassess and rebuild, aiming to convert this setback into a catalyst for future success.