In a commanding performance at the Alamo Bowl, No. 17 BYU triumphed over No. 20 Colorado, securing a 36-14 victory on Saturday night. The game marked BYU’s second consecutive bowl win and the third in their last four bowl appearances, showcasing the team’s remarkable turnaround after a challenging previous season.
L.J. Martin shone brightly for BYU, rushing for 93 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff contributed with 151 passing yards, helping the Cougars to a solid lead. “Understanding that they have great players on the other side of the field, we wanted to show what we could do,” Martin noted, emphasizing the significance of the game.
BYU’s defense was particularly impressive, limiting Colorado to just 210 total yards, of which a mere two came from rushing. The Buffaloes struggled to find their rhythm, as quarterback Shedeur Sanders faced intense pressure, resulting in three sacks and two interceptions. Despite completing 16 of 23 passes for 208 yards with two touchdowns, Sanders admitted that the team’s lack of connection was detrimental to their performance.
The Cougars were relentless in defense, frequently alternating strategies to keep Sanders guessing. Defensive end Tyler Batty credited the team’s coordinated efforts, saying, “We had guys flying in from every angle putting pressure on the quarterback.” Linebacker Isaiah Glasker stood out defensively, earning the Defensive MVP title with eight tackles and an interception, while Martin secured the Offensive MVP honor.
BYU set the tone early in the game. After stalling Colorado’s drive, BYU scored their first touchdown with a 1-yard run from Martin, followed by a thrilling 64-yard punt return for a touchdown by sophomore Parker Kingston, extending their lead to 17-0.
Colorado’s inability to convert on key opportunities early in the game was evident, as they failed on a fourth-and-1 attempt that could have shifted momentum. Coach Deion Sanders recognized BYU’s efficiency, stating, “BYU, they’re well-coached…Special teams kicked our butts, and we couldn’t do nothing offensively.”
Looking ahead, BYU is set to begin its 2025 season against Portland State, while Colorado will host Georgia Tech on August 30, 2025. This victory not only highlights BYU’s growth but also raises expectations for the future as they prepare for next season.
This encouraging result for BYU reflects the team’s resilience and determination to build on their success, as they look forward to continued improvement in the seasons to come.