Pick Six Previews: Colorado’s Momentum Enough to Defeat BYU in Alamo Bowl

San Antonio, TX — The much-anticipated Alamo Bowl matchup on Saturday night features the Colorado Buffaloes taking on the BYU Cougars. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. MST, and the game will be broadcast on ABC. This game may not have playoff implications, but it promises to captivate a national audience. With a combined 19-5 record, both teams are eager to end their seasons on a high note.

Matchup Overview

The tides have shifted in the Big 12, with Arizona State and Iowa State selected for the conference title game due to tiebreakers, leaving BYU and Colorado to square off in Texas. Colorado is looking for their 10th win, a milestone reached only eight times in the program’s history. BYU, on the other hand, eyes its first 11-win season since 2009.

Team Styles and Season Highlights

An intriguing aspect of this matchup lies in contrasting philosophies. Deion Sanders, leading Colorado, has executed a remarkable transformation of the team through the transfer portal, while BYU remains focused on developing players over the long term.

The statistical performance from the Game Grader formula offers insights into how both teams have fared:

• BYU Performance
  • 3-year average: 45.3 (50th of 70 Power Four)
  • 2023 season: 32.6 (63rd)
  • 2024 season: 67.9 (14th)
• Colorado Performance
  • 3-year average: 24.3 (69th)
  • 2023 season: 37.5 (55th)
  • 2024 season: 67.0 (15th)

Offensive and Defensive Analysis

Colorado Offense: With a ranking of 41st among Power Four teams, Colorado has established a prolific passing game led by star quarterback Shedeur Sanders and standout receiver Travis Hunter—the latter recording over 1,150 receiving yards and impacting both sides of the ball.

BYU Defense: The Cougars boast a formidable defense, ranked 14th in opponent-adjusted metrics, excelling particularly in pass defense.

BYU Offense: The BYU offense has struggled in the latter half of the season, ranked 31st among Power Four teams, with quarterback Jake Retzlaff finishing sixth in the Big 12 for QB rating yet facing challenges in accuracy.

Colorado Defense: Colorado’s defense has significantly improved, currently ranking 10th thanks to strategic acquisitions from the transfer portal.

Injury Updates and Opt-Outs

Both teams are relatively healthy, with BYU’s safety Crew Wakely the only notable absence. Colorado anticipates full participation from key players, including Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, who have taken out “bowl injury insurance” policies.

Game Prediction

Given the momentum shift, Colorado’s recent performance stands out. In the second half of the season, they have a record of 5-1 with an average margin of victory of 26 points, versus BYU’s 4-2 with a 7.2-point margin.

Final Prediction: Colorado 30, BYU 20

This bowl matchup will surely be one to watch, as both teams look to secure a memorable end to their seasons.