Yes, it’s an all-Big 12 bowl game, but no, it’s sort of not considering a former Pac-12 program could be here, Colorado and BYU didn’t play this season, and …
Really? There’s a chance the possible No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and the reigning Heisman winner will both play? AT THE MOMENT - be sure to to check before gametime who’s really playing - Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and all the parts of the puzzle are a go for Coach Prime’s Buffaloes.
This is Colorado’s first bowl appearance since 2020 as it looks to win its first bowl game since getting by UTEP in the 20024 Houston. The program has lost seven of its last eight bowls going back to 1999.
The Buffaloes just missed out on playing for the Big 12 Championship, and so did BYU.
The Cougars lost two of their last three to miss on playing for spot in the CFP. But win, and it’s the program’s second 11-win season since 2009.
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos head coach Deion Sanders against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Colorado vs BYU: How to Watch the Valero Alamo Bowl, Game Preview
Date: Saturday, December 28, 2024
Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
How To Watch: ABC
Venue: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
Teams: Colorado (9-3), BYU (10-2)
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- Bowl Schedule, Scoreboard, Predictions
Why BYU Will Win
BYU is pretty much all in full. There are a few injuries, and the secondary might be missing a few parts, but opt-outs aren’t an excuse here.
For all of the excitement and all the hype around all things Colorado, really, what did the team do?
It got whacked by Nebraska, needed a miracle to get by Baylor, and it beat Texas Tech. Beyond that, it was a good season amassing nine victories over a slew of also-rans. Of course, if it was so easy everyone could do it, but there’s a shot BYU might be the toughest team the Buffs have faced all year.
The Cougars had the best defense in row Big 12, the best scoring D, and the turnovers kept coming and coming with a conference-high 27. Force Colorado to run - it’s 8-0 when it gets to just 59 yards and 1-3 when it doesn’t - but it’ll want to wing it around. That’s fine for the Cougars - its defense will come through more times than Colorado’s, but …
Why Colorado Will Win
BYU has a giveaway problem lately. It was relatively stingy for most of the year, but it turned it over seven times in the last three games.
But no, this is about the Shedeur show and how much he can spread it around. BYU doesn’t have a pass rush, but the formula should work. Quick hitting passes, don’t be afraid to do a couple of keep-them-honest runs, and then let 2 do his thing to move the offense fast.
Don’t let BYU’s defense get settled. The two Cougar losses came within the three times the D allowed more than 62% completions. If Sanders is around the 70% mark, look out.
BYU QB Jake Retzlaff is a gamer, but he’s not all that accurate. He can't outduel Shedeur, but ...
Colorado vs BYU: Who Will Win?
Again, the lack of a BYU pass rush will be a problem, but not enough to lose this.
The Cougar defense will keep everything midrange and won’t get hit by too many deep shots, and yup, it’ll be all over Travis Hunter.
Remember, as good as Deion Sanders has been, his Jackson State teams whiffed in the two Celebration Bowl appearances. Winning this bowl would mean a ton to Coach Prime, the university, and the brand that Colorado has become.
And BYU will manage to ruin all that fun.
Retzlaff will at least hold his own, the running game will be fine, and the defense will pitch a gem with a few weeks off to rest up. Give it a bit, and then the scoring will open up in the most fun game on a loaded Saturday full of bowls.
Colorado vs BYU Valero Alamo Bowl Prediction, Betting Lines
Prediction: BYU 30, Colorado 26
Line: Colorado -3, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5
Must See Rating: 4.5
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