The Alamo Bowl presents a juxtaposition between precision and pizzazz — Jay Hill’s blue-collar defense against Deion Sander’s high-flying offense. Each wizard is equipped with the moxie and the manpower to turn the BYU-Colorado showdown into a big hit.
Hill is in his second year as BYU’s defensive coordinator. Sanders is in his second year as Colorado’s head coach. Pat Shurmur is his offensive coordinator and is charged with transferring Sanders big-play persona onto the field.
Just as daytime television contrasts with prime time, the content presented by both programs is considerably different, but the success is measured the same — winning and losing.
The No. 17 Cougars are 10-2, largely because of their defense — best in the Big 12. No. 23 Colorado is 9-3 because of its offense, which also tops the conference. In this screenplay, the numbers speak the truth, and the contrast writes itself into a compelling script.
Colorado is No. 1 in offensive efficiency. The Buffaloes average 6.1 yards per play, 397.6 yards per game and 34.5 points.
BYU is No. 1 in defensive efficiency. The Cougars allow 4.9 yards per play, 317 yards per game and 20.08 points.
When throwing the ball, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, averages 327.2 yards per game, having tossed 35 touchdowns against just eight interceptions.
In defending the pass, BYU allows 180.3 yards per game and has only surrendered 11 touchdowns while collecting a nation-leading 20 interceptions.
Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, whose star shines on both sides of the ball, leads Colorado’s receiving corps with 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Cougars will counter Hunter with senior cornerback Jakob Robinson, who leads BYU with 11 career interceptions.
As for the ground game, Colorado’s commitment has been limited. The Buffaloes average 70.4 yards but they have churned for 15 touchdowns. BYU’s run-resistance was tested late in the season, but over 12 games the Cougars allowed 136.7 yards and 18 touchdowns.
If there is a stat that looms as a potential wildcard, it can be found at the line of scrimmage. Protecting the quarterback has been an issue for Colorado, while getting to the quarterback has been a chore for BYU. Sanders was sacked 39 times during the regular season — most in the Big 12. Hill’s defense managed just 16 sacks — second fewest in the league.
As with any successful television show, there needs to be an element of surprise. Perhaps that will come when the Cougars’ offense is facing the Buffaloes' defense. Both units have had good days and bad. BYU averages 6.2 yards per play, 397 yards per game and 30.8 points. Colorado’s defense allows 5.1 yards per play, 353 yards per game and 22 points.
The Cougars and Buffaloes had six Big 12 opponents in common with Kansas and Kansas State the most competitive of the group. The Jayhawks beat both, but in the K-State matchup, BYU routed the No. 13 Wildcats in Provo 38-9 while the Buffaloes dropped a 31-28 thriller in Boulder.
Oddsmakers have crunched the numbers and determined the Buffaloes are favored by a field goal — close enough to forecast a show for all ages and a big hit for ABC in prime time on Dec. 28.
Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts “Y’s Guys” at ysguys.com and is the author of the children’s book “C is for Cougar,” available at deseretbook.com.