Just a few weeks ago, the possibility of a BYU-Colorado Big 12 championship game seemed certain. However, although that outcome didn't happen, the two teams are set to face off in the postseason. The Cougars and Buffaloes have both received invitations to play in the Alamo Bowl on December 28.

Uniting in the Alamo Bowl - BYU vs. Colorado

BYU's First Meeting with Coach Prime

The game will mark BYU's first encounter with Colorado's renowned head coach, Deion Sanders, better known as 'Coach Prime'. It's a significant moment for both teams and their fans. Sanders expressed his excitement about the matchup, saying, "Playing against a wonderful, storied university in BYU is unbelievable. You talk about leadership in (Kalani Sitake) … don't get it twisted, he's a darn good football coach, he's a leader of men and a God-fearing man. So to see him, to watch him, to get the opportunity to meet him at the Big 12 meetings and now being able to compete against him is unbelievable."This will be a unique showdown, with both teams bringing their best to the field.

Special Collector's Issue: "1984: The Year BYU was Second to None"

Get an in-depth look inside BYU Football's 1984 National Championship season. It was a year of great achievements and memories for the team. This special collector's issue will take you back in time and give you a glimpse of that remarkable season.

Colorado's Surprising Success in 2024

Sanders' squad has had an astonishing amount of success this year. They improved from a 4-8 finish last year to a current 9-3 record. Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion's son, was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Two-way superstar Travis Hunter is widely regarded as the Heisman Trophy favorite. The team's progress has been remarkable and has added to the excitement of the upcoming bowl game.

The Mutual Respect between Sitake and Sanders

The respect between BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and Coach Prime is mutual. Sitake praised Sanders during Sunday's press conference, saying, "I've known Deion and been able to interact with him, I'm a big fan of his. It's been fun to watch him lead his team this year … we've been really impressed with what they do on the field, I love the way he leads his team, he's a great example to me as a coach to see the way he leads and way he does it with his faith in Christ and in God."This mutual respect adds another layer of interest to the game.The Cougars and Buffaloes will meet in San Antonio's Alamo Bowl on December 28 at 5:30 p.m. MST. It's a game that fans on both sides are eagerly anticipating.BYU head coach Kalani Sitake reacts as a play unfolds during a game against the Arizona Wildcats held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Isaac Hale