BYU Cougars Upset Colorado Buffaloes in Alamo Bowl, Fans Unhappy with Broadcast Focus
The BYU Cougars ended their season on a high note, defeating the Colorado Buffaloes 36-14 in the Alamo Bowl. The win was a huge upset, as the Buffaloes were led by Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders.
BYU running back L.J. Martin had a big game, rushing for 93 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Sione I Moa also added a score on the ground for the Cougars.
The broadcast of the game on ESPN drew criticism from fans, who felt that the spotlight was too heavily focused on Colorado. BYU offensive lineman Connor Pay even told the broadcasters to talk more about his team, and the Cougars’ play did indeed give the announcers plenty to talk about.
The win marked BYU’s third 10-win season in the last five years, and head coach Kalani Sitake has now led the team to 11 wins and a bowl appearance in back-to-back seasons. Sitake is 5-2 in bowl games since taking over the program in 2016.
Colorado’s Sanders and Hunter are set to become first-round picks in the upcoming NFL draft, and the Buffaloes’ loss marked the end of an era for the program. Sanders said it was “tough” knowing that some of the players he’s been coaching for the last two or three years are going to be leaving his side.
The BYU Cougars finished the season 11-2, with their only losses coming to Texas and Oregon. The team will look to build on this season’s success in the future.