Colorado’s 2024 campaign came to a disappointing end Saturday when the Buffaloes fell, 36-14, to BYU in the Alamo Bowl. This defeat not only marked the conclusion of the season but also the end of an era for the team, as it was the final game for quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who has been a standout performer throughout his college career.
Emotional Farewell for Coach Sanders
Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders displayed deep emotion before and after the game, particularly reflecting on the journey he shared with his sons, Shedeur and Shilo. In an interview leading up to the Alamo Bowl, he reminisced about the early days of coaching his sons, visibly moved as he spoke about their growth. “I’m seeing when they first put on uniforms,” Sanders shared. “The good, the bad, the indifference. The ups and downs. Just the journey, it has been a heck of a journey. And I’m thankful and appreciative.”
Game Overview: A Tough Battle
San Antonio wasn’t kind to Sanders’ side, as Colorado struggled to contain the Cougars’ offense. Despite nabbing three Jake Retzlaff passes for interceptions, BYU managed to score three touchdowns on the ground, leading their attack effectively. Colorado’s defense faced challenges, unable to stop the Cougars from establishing their rhythm and dominating the game.
Shedeur Sanders’ Struggles
Shedeur Sanders faced a tough day on the field, with two of his passes landing in the hands of Cougars defenders. Despite the struggles, two-way star Travis Hunter shined with four catches for 106 yards and one touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to propel Colorado to victory. The Buffaloes finished the season with a record of 9-4, falling just short of their first ten-win season since 2016.
A Coach’s Encouraging Message
After the game, Coach Sanders addressed his team in the locker room, delivering a heartfelt message as confetti rained down on the victorious Cougars. “I’m proud of each and every one of you,” he said. “We didn’t get the result that we wanted. Understand moments. You only have a multitude of moments; you never know when it’s going to happen for you, happen to you, you never know when it’s going to be there, but you got to dominate your moment and seize your moment.” His words resonated, reminding the players of the importance of resilience and seizing opportunities.
Respect for the Opponent
In his post-game comments, Sanders extended his respect to BYU’s head coach, Kalani Sitake. “If I’m going to get my butt kicked, I’d rather get my butt kicked by that coach,” he said. “I love him to life. He’s a good man.” This acknowledgment of the opposing coach showcased Sanders’ sportsmanship, even in defeat.
Shedeur Sanders Reflects on His Journey
As the game drew to a close, Shedeur Sanders provided insight into his decision to continue playing despite the unfavorable score. “We started it, so we had to finish it,” he said, emphasizing the importance of commitment and perseverance. Both he and Hunter are projected to be top-five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and their determination to finish the game was a testament to their character and dedication to the team.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Colorado
All told, Saturday’s showing proved a sour end to a historic Colorado campaign. However, the future looks promising. With another strong recruiting class incoming and transfers expected to join the team in the coming months, the Buffaloes are poised for a resurgence. Coach Sanders has laid the groundwork for a competitive program, and fans are eager to see how the team evolves in the upcoming seasons.
A Season of Growth and Learning
Reflecting on the season as a whole, Coach Sanders emphasized the growth experienced by the team. Despite the disappointing end, the Buffaloes showed resilience and determination throughout the year. The lessons learned on the field will undoubtedly shape the players as they move forward, both in their football careers and personal lives.
As the dust settles on the 2024 season, Colorado fans can take solace in the progress made under Coach Sanders. The emotional farewell to Shedeur Sanders marks not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of a new era for the Buffaloes. With a strong foundation and a commitment to excellence, the future is bright for Colorado football.
