Introduction

In a recent press conference in Boulder, Colorado, the spotlight primarily fell on the Colorado Buffaloes’ Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter, and his teammates.

However, head coach Deion Sanders, affectionately called "Coach Prime," took the opportunity to address the Buffaloes’ upcoming opponent in the Alamo Bowl: the No. 17 BYU Cougars.

Respect for BYU

Sanders was clear in his respect for the Cougars, stating, "So trust me, ain’t nobody taking them lightly. They’re not sneaking up on us. We know when they’re coming." He emphasized this point early in his comments, acknowledging BYU as a “wonderful, historical school” and a fellow member of the Big 12 Conference.

Praise for Coach Sitake

The admiration didn’t stop there. Sanders heaped praise on BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, saying, “BYU offers a coach that I am fond of, a man of God, which I adore. To flip it and turn it around and accomplish what they have achieved this season is phenomenal.” Sanders expressed his excitement about the upcoming battle and eagerly anticipated seeing Sitake in San Antonio.

Game Details

The Alamo Bowl is set to kick off on December 28 at 5:30 PM MST, and many fans and analysts are touting this matchup as one of the most exciting postseason contests outside of the College Football Playoff. The game will be broadcast on ABC.

Acknowledgment of BYU's Strengths

Sanders continued to share his appreciation for the respect BYU commands in the competition, noting BYU's discipline and the level of effort from their players. “They can run the ball. They can throw the ball. They defend well. Discipline. I see a lot of discipline. A lot of young men that may not receive some of the accolades that they deserve," he added.

Focus on Performance

Despite Colorado's recent success—ending the season with a decisive 52-0 victory over Oklahoma State and boasting a 9-3 record—Sanders wants to ensure his team remains focused. “It is not just a bowl game where we are going to go be merry and have a merry Christmas,” he remarked. “No, we want to go there and play Buff football.”

Team Motivation

As for the team's motivation, Sanders noted that players are eager to perform exceptionally well, especially with accolades like the Heisman Trophy on the line. He mentioned an incident during practice that showcased the team's competitive spirit, stating, “We even had a fight at practice today. I don’t recommend that, but I was proud of that.”

Defensive Strategy

Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston shared insights on managing BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who is known for his ability to extend plays. “They do a great job. The quarterback is a great player. … It is a phenomenal challenge. It is one we are excited for,” he said.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, BYU will prove to be a formidable opponent, and as the Buffaloes prepare for this significant challenge, the anticipation for the Alamo Bowl continues to build—setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable encounter in San Antonio. Will the Buffs live up to the hype and dominate the field, or will the Cougars pull off a surprise victory? Fans won't want to miss this thrilling showdown!