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The Buffs final game of the season didn’t go to plan...
Recap
This past Saturday, the Buffs traveled to San Antonio to compete in the Alamo Bowl, hoping to cap off their impressive season with a 10th win. Unfortunately, it became a forgettable outing, as BYU seized control early and never let go. The Cougars relied on trick plays, onside kicks, and solid execution to build a three-possession lead before the Buffs could find their footing. Colorado’s well-documented struggles with playing from behind were on full display, as their shaky run defense and inability to generate consistent offense without an established ground game doomed them. BYU emerged victorious with a decisive 36-14 win, leaving Buffs fans disappointed and reflective on what could have been.
Offensively
What Went Right?
The lone bright spot for the Buffaloes’ offense was Travis Hunter. The Heisman Trophy winner showed why he’s considered the best player in college football, hauling in a few big catches, including a highlight-reel touchdown. Hunter’s exceptional playmaking ability and knack for finding space were evident, even in an otherwise lackluster team performance.
Aside from Hunter’s contributions, there were moments in the game's latter stages when Shedeur Sanders found some rhythm and delivered solid throws. However, these efforts came too late, with the game already out of reach.
What Went Wrong?
The issues plaguing Colorado’s offense were glaring, and many were familiar problems that persisted throughout the season. The offensive line struggled mightily, failing to protect Shedeur Sanders or establish any semblance of a run game. This left Sanders under constant pressure, often forcing him to abandon chain-moving throws in favor of looking for the big play downfield—an option that was rarely available.
The Buffs’ inability to establish the run game early compounded their issues. BYU’s defensive line dominated at the point of attack, routinely breaking through to disrupt plays in the backfield. The lack of offensive rhythm was palpable, and as the game progressed, the Buffs’ confidence seemed to wane.
Shedeur Sanders, widely regarded as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, had one of his worst performances of the season. His decision-making was uncharacteristically poor, with a tendency to force deep throws rather than taking what the defense gave him. While some of this could be attributed to the nature of a “meaningless” bowl game, it highlighted an area of concern that NFL scouts may scrutinize. Despite this, Sanders’ overall body of work should keep him firmly in the top-five discussion, though he may have lost ground in the race for the first overall pick.
Defensively
What Went Right?
The defense had its moments despite the lopsided final score. Colorado’s secondary showed flashes of brilliance, with players like Shilo Sanders, Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, and DJ McKinney stepping up to make big plays. Even when some of these plays were nullified by penalties, their ability to give the offense additional opportunities was commendable.
This group’s resilience was evident as they consistently found ways to disrupt BYU’s rhythm in the passing game. Their ability to generate turnovers and force tough throws kept Colorado within striking distance, at least for a portion of the game.
What Went Wrong?
Unfortunately, the defense’s weaknesses were starkly exposed, much like in their loss to Kansas. BYU’s offense leaned heavily on misdirection, power running, and quarterback scrambles—all of which proved effective against Colorado’s defensive unit. The Cougars’ rushing attack, led by LJ Martin, consistently broke through the first line of defense, chewing up yardage and keeping the Buffs’ defense on the field for long stretches.
Colorado’s inability to stop the run was particularly glaring. BYU exploited gaps at all three levels of the defense, and the Buffs’ tackling left much to be desired. The absence of a few key players certainly didn’t help, but these same issues plagued the team even when they were at full strength. Ultimately, the defense’s struggles were exacerbated by the offense’s inability to sustain drives, leaving them gassed as the game wore on.
Outlook
As painful as this loss may be, it’s important to remember the strides this team has made under Deion Sanders. While this season didn’t end with a conference championship or playoff berth, it marked a significant step forward for the program. For many Buffs fans, this was the most exciting season in years, and the foundation for long-term success is firmly in place.
That said, the reality is bittersweet. For many of the players who defined this season, this was their last game in a Colorado uniform. Seeing stars like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter depart for the NFL will undoubtedly leave a void, but it’s also a testament to the talent and momentum Coach Prime has brought to Boulder.
Looking ahead, the Buffs will need to focus on addressing their weaknesses—particularly in the trenches. Improved offensive line play and a more consistent run defense will be essential for the program to take the next step and compete for championships.
In the coming weeks, fans can expect plenty of news as transfer signings and recruiting efforts ramp up. With Deion Sanders at the helm, there’s no doubt the Buffs will continue to attract top-tier talent. While this loss may sting, it’s only a chapter in a much larger story of Colorado’s resurgence.
Thank you for following along with these breakdowns and recaps all season long. The future remains bright for the Buffs, and we’ll be here to cover every step of the journey.
Sko Buffs!
by Jacob.Thompson
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