By Avry Jones
Photo: Ronald Cortes/Getty Images
The 2024 Alamo Bowl, held on December 28th at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas saw the BYU Cougars dominate the Colorado Buffaloes with a final score of 36-14. The game marked the end of an impressive season for both teams, but BYU came out on top with a strong performance. Nevertheless, three key takeaways from this game stood out for both teams.
BYU’s Ground Game Dominance
One of the standout performances of the game was BYU’s ground attack, led by running back LJ Martin. Martin rushed for 88 yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries, showcasing the Cougars’ ability to control the run game. BYU’s offensive line created significant running lanes, allowing Martin to consistently break through Colorado’s defense.
Colorado’s Struggles on Offense
Despite a strong season, the Colorado Buffaloes struggled to find their rhythm on offense in the Alamo Bowl. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who had an impressive season, completed 16 of 23 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions. The Buffaloes’ offense managed only 210 yards and committed several penalties that stalled their progress. Colorado’s inability to sustain drives and capitalize on opportunities ultimately contributed to their defeat.
BYU’s Defensive Pressure
BYU’s defense played a decisive role in securing the victory by consistently pressuring Colorado’s offense. The Cougars’ defense forced three turnovers, including two interceptions of Shedeur Sanders. Defensive pressure disrupted Colorado’s offensive flow and limited their scoring opportunities. BYU’s ability to obtain turnovers and turn them into points was a key factor in their dominant performance.
The 2024 Alamo Bowl showcased BYU’s balanced attack and strong defensive play, which overwhelmed the Colorado Buffaloes. While Colorado had a successful season under coach Deion Sanders, the Alamo Bowl highlighted areas for improvement as they build on their progress in the coming seasons. Moreover, for BYU, the victory capped off a remarkable season and demonstrated their potential as a competitive force in college football. Both teams have bright futures ahead of them, with great coaching and solid players for the next few years.
Avry Jones is a contributor to The MMM Journal. She can be reached at avryjones@comcast.net; X: @LadyAvry; Instagram: @LadyAvry
