Colorado’s 36-14 loss to BYU in the Alamo Bowl highlighted key insights into the Buffaloes’ progress under Deion Sanders, their areas for growth, and the performance of standout players like Travis Hunter. While the game ended in disappointment, it offered valuable lessons about the team’s resilience, challenges ahead, and the cultural shift Sanders is cultivating in Boulder.
Travis Hunter Shines Despite Colorado’s Struggles
Travis Hunter stood out as one of the few bright spots for Colorado during a difficult game. Despite the team’s struggles, Hunter demonstrated why he is regarded as a top NFL draft prospect. He finished the game with four receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his versatility and determination. His commitment to playing hard despite the score reflected the competitive culture that Coach Prime has instilled in the team.
Hunter’s journey to this point has been remarkable. After flipping his commitment from Florida State to Jackson State to join Sanders, he made history in HBCU football. His transition to Colorado and outstanding performance this season have solidified him as one of college football’s most dynamic players. In his Heisman-winning season, Hunter posted 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, alongside significant defensive contributions. Though Colorado couldn’t overcome BYU’s dominance, Hunter’s efforts kept the Buffaloes within reach, sending a message of determination to future recruits.
Deion Sanders Reflects on the Program’s Trajectory
Despite the defeat, Deion Sanders remained focused on the long-term vision for the program. Acknowledging the team’s shortcomings, he admitted, “It was nothing that we did great tonight. Offensively, we couldn’t get anything going.” BYU’s dominance in the trenches and effective game plan left Colorado struggling to find an offensive rhythm, and quarterback Shedeur Sanders faced constant pressure. Shedeur threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns, but much of that production came in garbage time.
Sanders emphasized the progress Colorado has made over the past two years, saying, “We’ve established expectations.” His vision for the team is clear: to build a foundation of discipline and consistency. While the loss to BYU was disappointing, Sanders framed it as a part of the learning process, highlighting his commitment to character development alongside football success.
Postseason Struggles and the Road Ahead
One key takeaway from the Alamo Bowl was Deion Sanders’ continued postseason struggles. With this loss marking his third consecutive bowl defeat, questions remain about Colorado’s readiness for high-pressure games. Sanders’ postseason record now stands at 0-3, having faced similar challenges in his previous two seasons at Jackson State.
Colorado’s performance against BYU mirrored issues seen in past bowl games, especially in terms of preparation and execution. The Buffaloes struggled against BYU’s physicality, particularly on defense, where they failed to contain the Cougars’ balanced attack. The inability to stop the run highlighted the need for improvement in the trenches. Moving forward, Sanders will need to address weaknesses on both sides of the line during the offseason.
Additionally, the team faces changes with staff departures, including offensive line coach Phil Loadholt and defensive analyst Vincent Dancy, who are headed to Mississippi State. These transitions, along with roster changes expected through the transfer portal, will continue to shape the team as Sanders looks to rebuild.
Despite the setbacks, Sanders remains focused on the bigger picture. He downplayed the impact of his postseason record on his legacy, saying, “We don’t think about it like that.” His main goal is to guide his players toward success both on and off the field.
For Colorado, the loss to BYU is a reminder of how much progress has been made and how much more work lies ahead. Under Sanders’ leadership, the foundation for long-term success is beginning to take shape, even as challenges remain.
