College football fans were treated to two thrilling matchups between the BYU Cougars and the Colorado Buffaloes in the 2024 season. Both games highlighted contrasting styles, key player performances, and the ultimate importance of execution under pressure. From the dominant Alamo Bowl win (36–14) to the regular-season nail-biter (24–21), these encounters offered a mix of high-stakes competition, impressive stats, and memorable moments.
Alamo Bowl 2024: BYU Sets the Standard
Game Information:
- Date: December 28, 2024
- Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
- Attendance: 64,261
- Kickoff: 6:40 PM
- Final Score: BYU 36 – Colorado 14
The Alamo Bowl was expected to be competitive, but BYU quickly imposed its game plan. Their strategy relied on a balanced rushing attack, efficient quarterback play, and opportunistic special teams. Colorado, led by Shedeur Sanders, tried to mount a comeback, but BYU’s consistent execution controlled the tempo throughout the game.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYU | 10 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 36 |
| Colorado | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
Analysis: BYU dominated early, building a 20–0 halftime lead. Colorado’s late scoring highlighted their ability to produce explosive plays, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
Key Player Stats
| Team | Passing | Rushing | Receiving |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYU | Retzlaff, Jake 151 yds | Martin, LJ 93 yds, 2 TD; Moa, Sione 33 yds | – |
| Colorado | Sanders, Shedeur 208 yds | Welch, Micah 25 yds | Hunter, Travis 106 yds |
Analysis: BYU’s offense was methodical. Retzlaff managed the game efficiently, Martin and Moa powered the ground attack, and Ferrin contributed critical field goals. Colorado’s Sanders and Hunter provided highlight plays but lacked consistent support from the running game.
Scoring Summary
| Qtr | Time | Scoring Play | Drive | Score BYU-COL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 07:10 | Martin, LJ 1 yd run (Ferrin kick) | 6 plays, 52 yds | 7–0 |
| 1st | 02:19 | Ferrin 51 yd FG | 7 plays, 8 yds | 10–0 |
| 2nd | 05:32 | Kingston, Parker 64 yd punt return (Ferrin kick) | – | 17–0 |
| 2nd | 00:00 | Ferrin 54 yd FG | 9 plays, 40 yds | 20–0 |
| 3rd | 08:03 | Moa, Sione 13 yd run | 9 plays, 55 yds | 27–0 |
| 3rd | 06:14 | Hunter, Travis 43 yd pass from Sanders | 4 plays, 63 yds | 27–7 |
| 4th | 10:27 | Martin, LJ 9 yd run | 4 plays, 42 yds | 33–7 |
| 4th | 05:28 | Ferrin 31 yd FG | 6 plays, 18 yds | 36–7 |
| 4th | 02:17 | Smalls, Sav’ell 2 yd pass from Sanders | 7 plays, 82 yds | 36–14 |
Key Takeaways:
- BYU controlled field position and time of possession.
- Special teams made a difference with two long field goals and a punt return touchdown.
- Colorado’s big plays were too sporadic to shift momentum.
Regular Season Thriller: BYU 24 – Colorado 21
Game Context:
While the Alamo Bowl showed BYU dominance, the regular-season matchup revealed resilience and late-game heroics. Colorado opened strong with two early touchdowns, looking to control the game.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 14 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
| BYU | 3 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
Colorado’s early lead was powered by Kaidon Salter and Dre’lon Miller, but BYU methodically chipped away, relying on Bear Bachmeier’s dual-threat abilities and clutch plays from Chase Roberts.
Key Player Stats
| Team | Passing | Rushing | Receiving |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYU | Bachmeier, Bear 179 yds | Bachmeier, Bear 98 yds | Roberts, Chase 49 yds, 2 TD |
| Colorado | Salter, Kaidon 119 yds | 67 yds | 56 yds |
Analysis:
- Bachmeier was the engine, using both passing and rushing to keep drives alive.
- Roberts’ 2 TD receptions turned the game in BYU’s favor.
- Cody Hagen’s 32-yard rushing touchdown sealed the comeback in the 4th quarter.
Scoring Summary
| Qtr | Time | Scoring Play | Drive | Score BYU-COL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 09:44 | Salter 3 yd run | 11 plays, 75 yds | 0–7 |
| 1st | 05:08 | Miller 5 yd run | 4 plays, 62 yds | 0–14 |
| 1st | 00:45 | Ferrin 28 yd FG | 8 plays, 65 yds | 3–14 |
| 2nd | 00:46 | Roberts 5 yd pass from Bachmeier | 10 plays, 94 yds | 10–14 |
| 3rd | 05:26 | Roberts 4 yd pass from Bachmeier | 9 plays, 74 yds | 17–14 |
| 3rd | 02:42 | Miller 19 yd pass from Salter | 6 plays, 75 yds | 17–21 |
| 4th | 14:02 | Hagen 32 yd run | 8 plays, 77 yds | 24–21 |
Key Takeaways:
- BYU demonstrated resilience under pressure.
- Turnovers and execution errors almost cost Colorado the game.
- Late-game heroics highlight the importance of dual-threat quarterbacks.
Comparative Player Insights
| Player | Game Type | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| LJ Martin (BYU) | Alamo Bowl | 2 rushing TDs, controlled tempo |
| Sione Moa (BYU) | Alamo Bowl | Inside runs, consistent yardage |
| Jake Retzlaff (BYU) | Alamo Bowl | Efficient passing, 151 yds |
| Bear Bachmeier (BYU) | Regular Season | 2 TD passes, 98 rushing yds |
| Chase Roberts (BYU) | Regular Season | 2 TD receptions, clutch plays |
| Shedeur Sanders (COL) | Both | 208 yds passing, highlight plays |
| Travis Hunter (COL) | Both | 106 yds receiving, explosive plays |
Observation:
- BYU’s success relied on balanced offense, QB efficiency, and controlled rushing.
- Colorado had flashes of brilliance but lacked consistent team execution.
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Game Narrative Highlights
- Alamo Bowl: BYU dominated early, showing discipline and efficiency.
- Regular Season: BYU overcame early deficits with resilience and clutch plays.
- Player Highlight: Dual-threat quarterbacks (Retzlaff & Bachmeier) proved decisive.
- Momentum Swing: Special teams and red-zone efficiency made BYU unstoppable in critical moments.
Conclusion
Across both matchups, BYU vs Colorado football player stats reveal a tale of discipline, execution, and resilience. Colorado showcased talent and explosive plays, but BYU turned opportunities into points and controlled momentum when it mattered most. These matches are excellent examples of how stats, when combined with strategy and teamwork, tell a complete story.
For match breakdowns and real football insights, Infoaxis continues to cover beyond the scoreboard.
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