The BYU Cougars cruised past the Colorado Buffaloes in the Valero Alamo Bowl Saturday night, winning 36-14 to finish the 2024 season with an 11-2 record.
Here are three keys that led to the Cougars ' victory.
BYU 's sophomore running back earned Offensive MVP honors for his performance against the Buffaloes, and for good reason. Martin logged 17 carries for 93 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt, and scored two touchdowns.
Additionally, he ended the night as the team's leading receiver with 33 yards, including a 28-yard reception that brought the Cougars into the red zone to set up their first score.
Martin's efforts helped allow BYU to flourish even with quarterback Jake Retzlaff struggling at times, as the Cougars rushed for 180 yards as a team and burned just under 36 minutes of clock.
On the first play of the game, Martin ran for a 6-yard pickup. This singular gain ended up as triple the number of rushing yards Colorado accumulated against the Cougars for the entire contest.
Seriously.
Brigham Young Cougars defensive end Tyler Batty (92) douses BYU head coach Kalani Sitake during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
The Brigham Young Cougars celebrate their win over the Colorado Buffaloes during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) hoists the trophy after beating the Colorado Buffaloes during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars defensive end Viliami Po'uha (45), BYU defensive end Sani Tuala (98) and BYU defensive end Ephraim Asiata (44) celebrate their win during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders wipes gatorade off of Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake after the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back Sione I Moa (30) celebrates a touchdown with BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) celebrates the win during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake holds the trophy during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars fans cheer during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) and BYU wide receiver Keelan Marion (17) hold their defense and offensive trophies during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
BYU Cougars sing the fight song during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars defensive end Tyler Batty (92) douses BYU head coach Kalani Sitake during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Jakob Robinson (0) tackles a Colorado Buffaloes runner during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates an interception during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars place kicker Will Ferrin (44) kicks a field goal during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (27) runs during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) throws during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
BYU's defense celebrates sacking Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) runs for a touchdown on a punt return during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Colorado Buffaloes running back Isaiah Augustave (23) is gang tackled during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) throws an interception during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) throws during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
BYU's defense tries to block an unsuccessful field goal attempt during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars defensive tackle John Nelson (94) sacks Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars safety Petey Tuipulotu (42) tackles Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Destin Wade (8) during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars safety Raider Damuni (3) tackles Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Asaad Waseem (28) during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders wipes gatorade off of Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake after the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. BYU won 36-14. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars defensive tackle John Nelson (94) sacks Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
BYU's defense celebrates an interception during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) throws during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Colorado Buffaloes running back Micah Welch (29) complains after being tackled by Brigham Young Cougars safety Tanner Wall (28) during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (27) runs by the Colorado Buffaloes' defense during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Harrison Taggart (11) sacks the Colorado Buffaloes' QB during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Jack Kelly (17) brings down Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Keelan Marion (17) runs against the Colorado Buffaloes during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) is sacked by Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars safety Raider Damuni (3) brings down Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Asaad Waseem (28) during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (27) runs against the Colorado Buffaloes during the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back Jovesa Damuni (28) gets a hug as the team arrives at the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
The BYU Cougars arrive at the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Tourists walk on the San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
A sign is held for Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (27) as the team arrives at the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
BYU cheerleaders perform at a fan event prior to the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Tourists ride in boats on the San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
BYU fans attend a fan event prior to the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) runs onto the field during warmups at the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
BYU Cougars run around the Colorado buffalo during warmups at the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars coaches ask to get the Colorado buffalo moved out of their end zone for warmups at the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) warms up for the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
The BYU team arrives at the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
BYU cheerleader Elizabeth Dayton throws a football at a fan event prior to the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) runs onto the field during warmups at the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Tourists ride on the San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake and the BYU team arrive at the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Jay Hill's defensive unit enjoyed arguably its best outing of the season Saturday night in San Antonio. Aside from two explosive receptions from Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter , the Buffaloes posted just 109 yards of total offense against BYU.
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders looked far from the potential first-round NFL draft selection he's been pegged to be. He was sacked on four separate occasions and threw two interceptions, including a fourth-quarter pick to linebacker Isaiah Glasker, who promptly broke into a vintage Deion Sanders celebration.
It would have been understandable for BYU to come out flat in the Alamo Bowl, considering the team's November swoon to fall out of the Big 12 championship picture.
However, the Cougars looked much more like the team that began the year 9-0 than the group with the subsequent 1-2 stretch.
Simply put, BYU was fired up for its bowl matchup. The Cougars had no fear in facing superstars Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders and company.
BYU hustled, played through the whistle and appeared to be having great fun on the field. Such energy played a key role in winning by a 22-point margin.
Kalani Sitake and his staff deserve plenty of credit for their coaching performance in 2024, but especially for keeping their players bought in, excited and willing to put a chip on their shoulder against the Buffaloes.
