BYU Overcomes Late Hail Mary Attempt to Top Colorado with Late-Turned TD Passes and Defense

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Cougars Rally Past Colorado in Thrilling Big 12 Showdown

BOULDER, Colo. – No. 25 BYU overcame a shaky start to defeat Colorado 24-21 Saturday night, fueled by a strong second-half comeback and a clutch defensive play. The win marks BYU’s second straight season starting 4-0 and their first victory in Big 12 Conference play.

Early momentum favored the Buffaloes,who capitalized on offensive and defensive miscues to build a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter,exceeding the defensive total previously allowed by the Cougars in any full game this season. Quarterback Kaidon Salter and running back Dre’lon Miller each powered into the endzone, signaling a potential upset.

However, the Cougars responded, driven by a dynamic performance from quarterback Bear Bachmeier. Bachmeier completed 19 of 27 passes for 179 yards and two touchdown throws to Chase Roberts. He also showcased his mobility with 98 rushing yards, proving a dual threat for the Colorado defense.

The pivotal moment arrived early in the fourth quarter when BYU executed a deceptive play. A faked handoff allowed Bachmeier to flip the ball to a wide-open Cody Hagen, who sprinted 32 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

Colorado attempted a late rally, but a costly holding penalty derailed their drive. Moments later, a 22-yard sack further stalled the Buffaloes’ efforts, leaving coach Deion Sanders visibly frustrated.

The Cougar defense sealed the victory with a game-changing interception by linebacker Isaiah Glasker with just 50 seconds remaining on the clock.

BYU extends its scoring streak to a programme-record 27 consecutive quarters, a testament to their consistent offensive production.

Key Takeaways:

* BYU’s Resilience: The Cougars demonstrated their ability to fight back from an early deficit and secure a crucial road win.
* Bachmeier’s Dual-Threat Ability: The quarterback’s passing accuracy and running prowess kept the Colorado defense off balance.
* Defensive Clutch: Glasker’s late-game interception proved decisive, preserving the Cougar lead.
* Colorado Penalties: Six penalties for 67 yards hampered the Buffaloes’ chances, contributing to the loss.

Up Next:

BYU (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) hosts west Virginia next friday.
Colorado (2-3, 0-2) travels to face No. 24 TCU Saturday.

What specific defensive strategies did BYU employ to limit ColoradoS offensive opportunities throughout the game?

Alamo Bowl Recap: Cougars Secure Victory 36-14

The BYU Cougars delivered a dominant performance against the Colorado Buffaloes in the 2024 Alamo Bowl, securing a 36-14 victory on December 28th. While a late Hail Mary attempt by Colorado added a final-minute drama, the game was largely controlled by BYU’s potent rushing attack and a stifling defensive effort.This win marked a significant end to the season for BYU, showcasing their strengths in both offensive execution and defensive resilience. Key talking points include Shedeur Sanders’ performance, the impact of LJ Martin, and Jake Retzlaff’s contribution.

Offensive Highlights: Rushing Dominance and Efficient Passing

BYU’s offensive strategy centered around establishing a strong running game. LJ Martin proved to be a pivotal player, racking up an notable 93 rushing yards and two crucial touchdowns. This ground game kept the Colorado defense honest and opened up opportunities for the passing attack.

* LJ Martin’s Impact: Martin’s ability to consistently gain yards after contact was a key factor in controlling the clock and wearing down the Buffaloes’ defense. His two touchdowns provided significant momentum shifts for BYU.

* Jake Retzlaff’s Performance: Quarterback Jake retzlaff efficiently managed the game, completing passes for 151 yards. While not a massive yardage total, Retzlaff’s accuracy and decision-making were instrumental in sustaining drives and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

* Offensive Line Play: The BYU offensive line deserves credit for creating running lanes for Martin and providing Retzlaff with adequate protection. This consistent performance up front was a cornerstone of the Cougars’ offensive success.

Defensive Standouts: Shutting Down Colorado’s Attack

The BYU defense played a crucial role in limiting Colorado’s offensive production. Specifically, they focused on containing Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, two of the Buffaloes’ most dynamic playmakers.

* Containing Shedeur Sanders: While Sanders is known for his arm talent and ability to extend plays, the BYU defense consistently pressured him, forcing rapid throws and limiting his effectiveness.

* Neutralizing Travis Hunter: Hunter, a versatile threat as both a receiver and defensive back, was effectively contained by BYU’s coverage schemes and physical play.

* Turnover Creation: BYU’s defense didn’t force a high number of turnovers, but their consistent pressure and disciplined coverage contributed to Colorado’s offensive struggles. The ability to get off the field on third down was critical.

The Late Game Drama: Hail Mary and Final Stand

Colorado attempted a desperate Hail Mary pass in the final moments of the game, adding a brief moment of tension. Though, the BYU defense held strong, preventing the completion and sealing the victory.This final stand demonstrated the team’s resilience and commitment to finishing the game strong.

* Defensive Coverage on the Hail Mary: BYU deployed a well-executed defensive formation designed to disrupt the Hail mary attempt, with multiple players positioned to contest the catch.

* Importance of the Final Stop: Preventing the touchdown on the Hail Mary preserved BYU’s pleasant lead and ensured a decisive victory.

* Impact of Momentum: Despite the late attempt, Colorado struggled to build any significant momentum throughout the game, largely due to BYU’s consistent performance on both sides of the ball.

Key Players and Statistical Breakdown

Here’s a quick look at some of the key performers and statistical highlights from the game:

Player	Team	Stats
LJ Martin	BYU	93 Rushing Yards,2 TDs
Jake Retzlaff	BYU	151 Passing Yards
Shedeur Sanders	Colorado	(Stats not detailed in provided source)
Travis Hunter	Colorado	(Stats not detailed in provided source)

alamo Bowl Importance & Future Outlook

This Alamo bowl victory represents a positive conclusion to BYU’s season. The performance showcased the team’s strengths and provided valuable experience for returning players. Looking ahead, BYU will aim to build upon this success and continue to compete at a high level in future seasons. The win also serves as a strong recruiting tool, demonstrating the programme’s ability to compete against Power Five opponents.