3 Colorado players that could pose a serious threat to BYU in Alamo Bowl ft. Travis Hunter
The Colorado Buffaloes will look to finish the season on a high note when they face the BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28 in San Antonio. It could be the final college appearance for Buffs stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, among others.
While the Buffaloes grabbed the headlines for most of the season, the Brigham Young Cougars (10-2, 7-2 in the Big 12) came off firing right out of the gate. BYU jumped to a 9-0 record before dropping consecutive games versus Kansas and Arizona State. Those losses eventually cost the Cougars a bid in the Big 12 Championship Game.
The Buffaloes (8-3, 6-2 in the Big 12) also had a strong season. After splitting their first two games, Colorado would sin seven of their next eight to get into contention for the Big 12 Championship. A loss to Kansas on Nov. 23 cost them a chance to play in the conference championship game.
With all the talent on the Buffaloes, here are three players who could turn the game in their favor.
3 Colorado players that could pose a serious threat to BYU in Alamo Bowl
#3. BJ Green II, Defensive end
The senior defensive end leads the team with 7.5 sacks. While the Buffaloes’ main struggles have been stopping the run, Green II could impact the game if they force BYU to play from behind.
He has had at least half a sack in four consecutive games, including two in the win over Texas Tech. BYU allowed 16 sacks during the year, so their offensive line is good but not great.
While the Colorado defense should be focused primarily on stopping the run, Green can create pressure by rushing Jake Retzlaff. Making the quarterback uncomfortable could also help prevent big plays in the passing game, a staple of the BYU attack.
#2. Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback
The senior quarterback has been among the top signal callers with 3,926 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2024. Sanders also completed 74.2% of his throws, among the best in the nation.
Sanders will be facing a tough BYU secondary. The Cougars are 19th in the country in passing defense. With the Buffaloes leaning heavily on their passing attack, a good game by Sanders is vital for Colorado.
Another situation that could alter the game will be Sanders’ mobility and whether he can avoid the pressure. Colorado allowed 39 sacks during the season, but BYU was among the worst teams at sacking the quarterback, with only 16.
#1. Travis Hunter, Cornerback/Wide receiver
Hunter is the Heisman favorite for a reason. He has made an impact both as a corner and a receiver. On defense, he had 31 tackles, forced one fumble and intercepted four passes. His receiver was targeted only 39 times during the season.
Hunter also starred as a wide receiver with 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. BYU is among the top passing defenses in the nation, allowing 180.3 yards per game. Hunter’s battle with the Cougars’ secondary could determine the winner in San Antonio.
Any player able to affect a game in multiple ways is worth following. Furthermore, Hunter might be playing his final collegiate game and will look to finish his college career with a big game in the Alamo Bowl.
Who do you think will win when the Colorado Buffaloes face the BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.