SAN ANTONIO (AP) No matter how the Valero Alamo Bowl turns out, Colorado is savoring the opportunity to close off the season strong.
The Buffaloes have their whole two-deep roster available, while several schools are rearranging their rosters as players choose to skip bowl games in order to use the transfer portal or get ready for the NFL Draft.
On Saturday, the 17th-ranked BYU Cougars (10-2, No. 17 CFP) will play the No. 20 Colorado (9-3, No. 23 CFP) in the Alamo Bowl.
Linebacker B.J. Green of the Buffaloes stated, “We cherish every moment.” There will never be another combination like these guys together. You must value those things. Football is meant to be an enjoyable sport. It shouldn’t be that way, but I feel like people have made it into a job a lot of the time these days.
In recognition of his players’ dedication, Colorado coach Deion Sanders obtained more disability insurance coverage for his squad, including record coverage for his standout quarterback son Shedeur and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
Sanders is considered the best quarterback in this year’s draft by many scouts, but he didn’t want to miss his last game with the Buffaloes.
It’s important to savor the now,” Sanders stated. We gave it our all in every game, and it’s important to remember that this is the last collegiate game. No regret exists. The problem is that I don’t want to ever go somewhere with regret.
Additionally, Sanders is excited to take on BYU’s outstanding defense. This season, 12 different Cougars recorded an FBS-high 20 interceptions.
Because of the way they conduct their business and their ability to move and respond in many ways, it’s quite difficult to find a problem in them, Shedeur said. They have a brilliant plan because you don’t know who is doing what. Everything about them is fantastic. I consider myself quite fortunate to have faced that kind of challenge in my final game of college.
The Cougars are up against a similar obstacle.
Shedeur Sanders gained 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns on 337 of 454 passes. This season, Hunter caught 92 passes for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns.
“Difficult matchup,” stated Kalani Sitake, coach of BYU. Trying to stop everyone is the aim, but with all the weapons they have, I’m not sure whether that’s possible.
Air apparent
Just a few days after graduating from high school, top quarterback prospect Julian JuJu Lewis is working with Shedeur Sanders and Colorado this week.
Lewis, who graduated early from Carrolton (Ga.) High School and was ranked as the No. 2 recruit by ESPN for the Class of 2025, enrolled at Colorado.
In the Georgia High School State Championship on December 19, Carrolton lost to Grayson 38-24, despite Lewis completing 30 of 42 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns.
With Sanders departing for the NFL, Lewis will compete for the starting quarterback position on Colorado’s potent offense in the upcoming season.
Long time no see
Although this is the first meeting between Colorado and BYU since 1988, it is the 13th meeting overall.
In the 88 Freedom Bowl, Ty Detmer, the 1990 Heisman Trophy winner, led the Cougars to a 20–17 victory over the Buffaloes.
Colorado is ahead 8-3-1 in the series.
Heisman hardware
Hunter is the second player to win the Heisman Trophy and then go straight to the Alamo Bowl.
Quarterback Robert Griffin III led Baylor to a 67-56 victory over Washington in the Alamo Bowl a few weeks after winning the Heisman Trophy in 2011. Together with the Huskies, the Bears set an NCAA record for the most points scored in regular time, and also set a bowl record for both points and total yards (777).
Sharing the wealth
This season, 17 different BYU players scored touchdowns. With four special teams touchdowns, three kickoff returns, and one punt return for a score, the Cougars are the only team in the country with this record.
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