Match Overview
This byu football vs colorado buffaloes football match player stats occurred on December 28th, 2024, on the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, in the 2024 Alamo Bowl. The match attracted huge attention because it featured two top-profile teams and several potential NFL prospects.
- Match: BYU Cougars vs Colorado Buffaloes
- Venue: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
- Attendance: 64,261
- Final Score: BYU 36 – Colorado 14
- Final Results: BYU dominated from the beginning to the end to take the Alamo Bowl
Colorado was a team that had an enviable reputation for its high-powered passing games; however, BYU played well in all aspects of the game – the time of possession, third-down conversions, and most importantly, the running game.
Team Stats Summary
The table below provides complete team statistics from the BYU football match against the Colorado Buffaloes football match:
| Category | BYU Cougars | Colorado Buffaloes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 331 | 210 |
| Passing Yards | 151 | 208 |
| Rushing Yards | 180 | 2 |
| First Downs | 22 | 9 |
| Third-Down Conversions | 8/14 (57%) | 3/9 (33%) |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 (Interceptions) |
| Time of Possession | 35:59 | 24:01 |
What’s the key lesson: BYU was able to run the ball efficiently and was dominant in possession, whereas Colorado was a one-dimensional team and prone to turnovers.
BYU Player Stats — Offensive Standouts
The BYU offense dominated the game through an even approach. Below are the most important BYU statistics for football players from the game:
| Player | Position | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Retzlaff | QB | 151 | 35 | — | — |
| L.J. Martin | RB | — | 93 | 14 | 2 (Rushing) |
| Chase Roberts | WR | — | — | 58 | — |
| Isaac Rex | TE | — | — | 36 | — |
- J. Martin led his ground game with 17 plays, 93 yards, and two touchdowns.
- Jake Retzlaff ran the offense effectively with timely throws and racked up the rushing yards.
- Chase Roberts offered solid catches on key downs.
BYU Defensive Performance
The BYU defense was the unnoticed heroes of the match. They held Colorado to a mere 2 yards of rushing while forcing two interceptions from Shedeur Sanders.
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Glasker | 6 | 1.5 | — |
| Jakob Robinson | 5 | — | 1 |
| Ben Bywater | 7 | — | — |
- Isaiah Glasker was named MVP of the defense for his erratic game, which included 1.5 sacks.
- The defense’s front line pressed Sanders and slowed the running game.
Colorado Buffaloes Player Stats – Offensive Leaders
Despite the loss, Colorado players showed impressive performance. Here is the top Colorado Buffaloes football player information:
| Player | Position | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shedeur Sanders | QB | 208 | — | — | 2 (Passing) |
| Travis Hunter | WR | — | — | 106 | 1 (Receiving) |
| Micah Welch | RB | — | 25 | — | — |
| Jimmy Horn Jr | WR | — | — | 42 | 1 (Receiving) |
- Shedeur Sanders was averaging two touchdowns and 208 yards; however, she also threw two expensive interceptions.
- Travis Hunter showed exceptional talent, registering an impressive 106 yards and scoring a touchdown.
- The rushing game of Colorado was nearly absent, averaging just 2 yards total.
Key Reasons Behind BYU’s Win
Here’s what the BYU football against Colorado Buffaloes football match player statistics show about how BYU got control of the game:
1. Rushing Game Dominance
- BYU: 180 rushing yards
- Colorado: two running yards
The result made Colorado’s defense stay on the field, allowing play-action opportunities to BYU.
2. Third-Down Efficiency
- BYU scored on 8 out of 14 3rd downs (57 percent)
- Colorado only converted 3 out of 9 (33 percent)
BYU’s sustained drives weakened Colorado’s defense.
3. Turnover Battle
- BYU 1 turnover
- Colorado two interceptions
These mistakes wiped out Colorado’s momentum and created short fields to allow BYU to score drives.
4. Time of Possession
- BYU kept the ball in play for 35:59, nearly 12 minutes longer than Colorado.
More time on offense equals greater scoring opportunities and more rest for their defense.
What Went Wrong for Colorado
The Colorado Buffaloes’ football stats provide a clear picture of the areas where they struggled:
- The game is not run-based: Two total rushing yards allowed their offense to be predictable.
- Offensive line problems: Sanders faced constant pressure, leading to hurried sacks and throws.
- Poorly-performing drives: There are only nine initial downs and numerous three-and-outs.
- Turnovers: Two interceptions at crucial moments in the game shifted momentum to BYU.
Scoring Summary by Quarter
| Quarter | BYU | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | 0 |
| 2nd | 10 | 7 |
| 3rd | 7 | 7 |
| 4th | 9 | 0 |
| Final | 36 | 14 |
BYU scored in the fourth quarter, not allowing Colorado to gain momentum.
The lessons learned from the BYU Football vs Colorado Buffaloes Football Match.
- BYU’s strength and balance allowed them to dominate an opponent with powerful power.
- J. Martin played the role of offensive star, securing Offensive MVP honors.
- BYU’s defense shut down Colorado’s running game and forced crucial turnovers.
- Travis Hunter demonstrates his superiority, making a difference despite his massive coverage.
- Colorado requires a more comprehensive offense — more defense from Sanders and a steady rush attack.
Final Thoughts
The statistics of the byu football vs colorado buffaloes football match player stats illustrate how BYU controlled every part of the contest. Their well-balanced attack, efficient quarterback play, a physical defense, and flawless execution were just too much for Colorado’s pass-heavy attack to handle.
For BYU, the win strengthens their standing in the national arena. This is an opportunity for Colorado to build a balanced, complete team around their excellent quarterback.