BYU Pummels Colorado In Alamo Bowl Blowout
Dec 28, 2024, 9:00 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2024, 9:37 pm
SAN ANTONIO – The BYU Cougars put a finishing stamp on the 2024 season, destroying the Colorado Buffaloes in a 36-14 win.
The All-Big 12 matchup was considered the top non-College Football Playoff game in the Bowl Season.
All-Big 12 clash in the Alamo Bowl pic.twitter.com/XbytCAtwPD
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 27, 2024
Both teams are motivated and are expected to have their top players compete in the game. That includes Colorado DB/WR, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, and his teammate, QB Shedeur Sanders.
Quarterback Jake Retzlaff leads BYU. The dual-threat signal-caller is healthy entering the bowl game against Colorado. Retzlaff navigated injuries in November and feels he is back to full strength as BYU looks to reach 11 wins for the second time in the Kalani Sitake era.
KSL Sports will provide updates from inside the Alamodome in San Antonio throughout the Alamo Bowl between BYU and Colorado.
Check here for updates throughout the All-Big 12 clash in the Bowl Season.
Pregame
Alamo Bowl extended pregame is live on @kslnewsradio & @kslsports from San Antonio.
Breaking down BYU vs. Colorado here in the Alamo City.
Let's do this.@baiamontematt @nateslack5 pic.twitter.com/hekXttnHIt
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 28, 2024
Great view from the media press box for the @valeroalamobowl.
BYU vs. Colorado here in the Alamodome. pic.twitter.com/sQTgGPgzHI
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 28, 2024
Keanu Hill and Isaiah Jatta won’t be available today for BYU against Colorado. pic.twitter.com/dWdBcdLDwd
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 28, 2024
One last ride for BYU seniors Connor Pay and Tyler Batty. pic.twitter.com/kM2MEaBkcW
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 28, 2024
SEC officiating crew for tonight's Alamo Bowl.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
LISTEN LIVE: @BYUfootball wraps up the 2024 season against @CUBuffsFootball in the Alamo Bowl on @kslnewsradio and:https://t.co/QKI9sFk52a pic.twitter.com/R16TIRIG1p
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 29, 2024
First Quarter
Missed opportunity for BYU on the opening play of the game. Dropped pass. Cougs go 3-and-out.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Mangelson is in the medical tent
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
After Blake Mangelson went down, BYU got a sneak peek at what the 2025 interior could look like with John Taumoepeau and Josh Singh. They did a nice job.
BYU's defense forced Colorado into a turnover on downs.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
RELATED: BYU’s Blake Mangelson Injured On First Colorado Alamo Bowl Possession
BYU's defense played fast in that opening series.
The open field tackle by Tanner Wall was an example of that. Colorado's Micah Welch looked to have the edge, but Wall had the closing speed to tackle him.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Gerry Bohanon sighting!
QB keeper and it nearly results in a touchdown run. BYU down to the CU 1 yard line.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Physicality from BYU's offense inside the red zone. Loved the wrinkle of using Bohanon in the red zone.
BYU strikes first.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
RELATED: LJ Martin Gives BYU Early Lead Over Colorado
Cougs strike first in San Antonio courtesy of the LJ Martin rushing touchdown 🤙#Big12FB | 📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/z2jDSFXIGU
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) December 29, 2024
Marque Collins with a hard tackle on Travis Hunter.
The former Weber State grad transfer has been a stud for BYU in his one season.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Drop on a special. Gonna want that back.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Will “Big Game Bill” Ferrin pic.twitter.com/3y9h03AckT
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 29, 2024
ONSIDE KICK! BYU safety Ethan Slade recovers.
What a year for this Special Teams unit and Special Teams Coordinator Kelly Poppinga.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
RELATED: BYU Dips Into Special Teams Bag Of Tricks With Onside Kick
BYU – 10
Colorado – 0End of the 1st at the Alamo Bowl pic.twitter.com/mJJdGsAArT
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 29, 2024
Second Quarter
It was only a matter of time before Travis Hunter broke free.
His speed is incredible to see in person.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
BYU senior DE Logan Lutui comes up with a sack on Shedeur Sanders that results in a 23-yard loss.
You don't see that big of a loss every day.
On the following play, Colorado kicker Alejandro Mata misses a 48-yard field goal.
Huge swing for BYU.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Sione Moa's helmet was down, so the 45-yard run was overturned. What an effort from the freshman running back.
He's going to be a fun running back to watch next season.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Jake Retzlaff's shovel pass is intercepted by Colorado's Anquin Barnes Jr.
BYU was down to the Colorado 21-yard line.
Missed opportunity.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Raider Damuni.
During bowl prep practices, he told me that he feels so much more comfortable in this defensive scheme in his second year. Making the most of his opportunity as the starter.
He still has two years of eligibility remaining.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Parker Kingston!
Second punt return for a touchdown this season from the versatile sophomore.
All BYU right now in the Alamo Bowl.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Second punt return for a TD from Parker Kingston this season 😮 pic.twitter.com/KCmGkCehow
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 29, 2024
RELATED: BYU Special Teams Strikes Again, Parker Kingston Takes Punt To The House
Parker Kingston is Parker Kingston-ing 🤷♂️
The @BYUfootball redshirt-sophomore records his second punt return touchdown of the season as the Cougs add to their lead.#Big12FB | 📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/9ObBqA8kqP
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) December 29, 2024
Chase Roberts landed on his left arm after a pass attempt from Jake Retzlaff. He was nursing his arm/shoulder and walked off the field with trainers next to him.
Roberts is in the medical tent.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
RELATED: Will Ferrin Ties Career-High With 54-Yard Field Goal
BYU 20, Colorado 0
Halftime stats
Those offensive numbers for Colorado include a 58-yard reception from Travis Hunter. pic.twitter.com/ufojeKtwps
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Third Quarter
ESPN reports that BYU WR Chase Roberts is out for the remainder of the game against Colorado.
However, BYU does get Darius Lassiter back after he missed the first half due to the unsportsmanlike penalty he received in the regular season finale against Houston.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Big-time hit by Tanner Wall to jar the ball loose from Jimmy Horn Jr., BYU CB Evan Johnson comes up with the interception.
BYU recorded at least one interception in all 13 games this season.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
RELATED: Huge Tanner Wall Hit Leads To BYU Second Half Interception, Touchdown
Sione Moa finds paydirt for a 13-yard touchdown.
BYU is laying down the hammer in this Alamo Bowl.
Cougs lead 27-0
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Sione Moa finds the end zone for a score.
BYU leads Colorado 27-0. pic.twitter.com/qaRS8fRyXb
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 29, 2024
Dave Pasch: "BYU is pummeling Colorado right now."
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Mory Bamba could be the player that benefits the most from the JUCO waiver.
If he chooses to return in 2025, he has the ability to be a star in BYU's defense.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Shedeur Sanders finds Travis Hunter for a 43-yard touchdown to end BYU's shutout.
Buffs are on the board with 6:14 remaining in the third quarter.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
Alamo Bowl attendance. Biggest crowd in this game since 2016. pic.twitter.com/MtTC4QkhAX
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
BYU – 27
Colorado – 7End of 3rd pic.twitter.com/teeqCfxkNk
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 29, 2024
Fourth Quarter
Jake Retzlaff throws an interception inside the red zone.
BYU has a big lead, but it could be bigger.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
BYU freshman Tommy Prassas comes up with an open-field tackle on Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter to get the third down stop.
Great play.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
LJ Martin. Touchdown BYU.
He's well on his way to being a star ball carrier for the Cougars.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
LJ Martin. TD x2 pic.twitter.com/iMsW1dI0mM
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 29, 2024
Will Ferrin boots another field goal.
BYU leads 36-7 with 5:28 remaining in the 4th quarter over Colorado in the Alamo Bowl.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
This is one of the most dominant performances I've witnessed from a BYU football team in a bowl game.
It's right there with the 2009 Las Vegas Bowl (Oregon State) and the 2020 Boca Raton Bowl (UCF).
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
All Cougs. All night. pic.twitter.com/s4Gb2ttaMD
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 29, 2024
Jakob Robinson comes up with the onside kick recovery.
Robinson always came through in the clutch for BYU.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 29, 2024
BYU/Colorado: Alamo Bowl Gameday Reading
- Score Prediction & Preview
- BYU Football drops hype video for the Alamo Bowl
- BYU-Colorado Fan Guide
- EA Sports College Football 25 simulation
- Kalani Sitake and Coach Prime praise each other’s programs ahead of the Alamo Bowl
- College Gameday Predictions for the Alamo Bowl
- Colorado’s Coach Prime on BYU: “They’re not going anywhere”
- Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders ‘Blessed’ to face challenging BYU defense
- BYU’s Kalani Sitake and Tyler Batty fire up fans at Alamo Bowl pep rally
- BYU WR Darius Lassiter will miss part of the Alamo Bowl
- BYU football depth chart
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.
