Despite being an all-Big 12 bowl game, the presence of a former Pac-12 program, Colorado and BYU’s absence from the season, and…
Really? Is it possible that the potential top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and the reigning Heisman Trophy winner will both play? AT THE MOMENT – Make sure to check who is actually playing before gametime – Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and the rest of Coach Prime’s Buffaloes are all set.
This is Colorado’s first bowl appearance since 2020, and the team hopes to win its first bowl game since defeating UTEP in the 2002 Houston Bowl. The program has lost seven of its last eight bowl games, dating back to 1999.
The Buffaloes and BYU both missed out on playing for the Big 12 championship.
The Cougars lost two of their last three games, missing out on a spot in the College Football Playoff. But win, and the program will have its second 11-win season since 2009.
Colorado vs BYU: How to Watch the Valero Alamo Bowl, Game Preview
Date:Â Saturday, December 28, 2024
Game Time:Â 7:30 pm ET
How To Watch:Â ABC
Venue:Â Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
Teams:Â Colorado (9-3), BYU (10-2)
Why BYU Will Win
BYU is almost completely full. There are a few injuries, and the secondary may be missing a few components, but opt-outs are not an excuse here.
What did the team do, given all of the excitement and hype surrounding Colorado?
It lost to Nebraska, needed a miracle to beat Baylor, and defeated Texas Tech. Aside from that, it was a successful season with nine victories over a slew of also-rans. Of course, if it was that simple, anyone could do it, but BYU could be the most difficult team the Buffs have faced this season.
The Cougars had the best defense in the Big 12, the best scoring defense, and the most turnovers in the conference (27). Force Colorado to run; it is 8-0 when it gets to 59 yards and 1-3 when it doesn’t, but it will prefer to wing it. The Cougars’ defense will be more effective than Colorado’s, but…
Why Colorado Will Win
Recently, BYU has been experiencing a giveaway problem. It was relatively stingy for most of the year, but it committed seven turnovers in the last three games.
But no, this is about Shedeur’s show and how widely he can spread it. BYU does not have a pass rush, but the formula should be effective. Quick hitting passes, do not be afraid to do a couple of honest runs, and then let 2 do his thing to get the offense moving quickly.
Do not let BYU’s defense settle. The Cougars lost two of three times when the defense allowed more than 62% completions. Keep an eye out if Sanders gets close to 70%.
BYU QB Jake Retzlaff is a gamer, but he is not particularly accurate. He cannot outduel Shedeur, but…
Colorado vs BYU: Who Will Win?
Again, the lack of a BYU pass rush will be an issue, but not enough to cost them this game.
The Cougar defense will keep everything in the midrange and avoid taking too many deep shots, and Travis Hunter will be all over it.
Remember that, as good as Deion Sanders has been, his Jackson State teams have failed to win the Celebration Bowl in both appearances. Winning this bowl game would be extremely beneficial to Coach Prime, the university, and the brand that Colorado has established.
And BYU will ruin all of the fun.
Retzlaff will at least hold his own, the running game will be adequate, and the defense will perform admirably after a few weeks off to rest. Give it a few minutes, and the scoring will open up in the most entertaining game on a busy Saturday of bowling.
Colorado vs BYU Valero Alamo Bowl Prediction, Betting Lines
Prediction:Â BYU 30, Colorado 26
Line:Â Colorado -3, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence out of 5:Â 2.5
Must See Rating:Â 4.5
– Valero Alamo Expert Picks and Predictions COMING
