Colorado wrapped up a challenging season with a disappointing performance in their final game on Saturday, falling to BYU in the Valero Alamo Bowl. The game, held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, drew massive attention, with the Alamo Bowl announcing on Tuesday that 8 million viewers tuned in—setting a ratings record. Unfortunately for the Buffaloes, their play on the field didn’t match the occasion.
BYU dominated from the outset, surging to a 20-0 lead in the first half and cruising to a decisive 36-14 victory. Colorado’s offensive struggles were glaring, with the team managing just 2 rushing yards throughout the game.
Even star quarterback Shedeur Sanders, a projected top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, faced a tough outing. Sanders completed 16 of 23 passes for 208 yards, throwing 2 touchdowns but also 2 interceptions. The Cougars’ defense stifled the Buffaloes at every turn, making it a forgettable night for Colorado fans.
In response to the game and the TV ratings milestone, Deion Sanders Jr. offered a blunt and sobering take on social media. Reacting to the news that 8 million people had watched the bowl game, Sanders Jr. wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Damn … 8 million people saw us get clapped.”
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The remark captured the disappointment of the moment but also highlighted the Sanders family’s characteristic accountability. Whether on the field or off, Deion Sanders and his sons—Shedeur, Shilo, and Deion Jr.—rarely shy away from acknowledging their shortcomings.
Deion Sanders Jr.’s candid post exemplified this family trait, taking the loss in stride without making excuses.
Head coach Deion Sanders also handled the defeat with grace, delivering a heartfelt message about BYU head coach Kalani Sitake after the game. Sanders praised Sitake for his leadership and congratulated BYU on their dominant performance, demonstrating his respect for the opposing team despite the bitter loss.
As Colorado looks ahead to the offseason, the Buffaloes will undoubtedly aim to build on the lessons learned from this season. Despite the disappointing ending, the team’s ability to face challenges head-on—both on the field and in the public eye—will serve as a foundation for future growth.