The 2024 Alamo Bowl will feature an exciting matchup between two teams with deep ties to the Big 12 Conference: the BYU Cougars and the Colorado Buffaloes. This bowl game is not just a clash of teams, but a battle of coaching legacies, with both squads led by long-standing and well-respected figures in the college football world. It will be a showcase of two of the Big 12’s prominent coaching mainstays: Kalani Sitake of BYU and Deion Sanders of Colorado.
Kalani Sitake has been at the helm of BYU for several years, leading the Cougars into their new Big 12 chapter after years of independent football. Since taking over as head coach in 2016, Sitake has transformed the BYU program into a consistent contender. His leadership has been marked by a focus on building a strong defense, a potent rushing attack, and a culture of toughness and unity. Under Sitake, BYU achieved significant success, including multiple bowl appearances and a reputation for playing hard-nosed football. In 2020, the Cougars posted an impressive 11-1 record, giving them a taste of national recognition before entering the Big 12, where they are now poised to compete regularly against Power Five competition.
On the other sideline, Deion Sanders, famously known as “Coach Prime,” has taken Colorado by storm in just one season. After years of struggling with mediocrity, Sanders inherited a program in disarray and quickly transformed it into a national storyline. His high-profile arrival in Boulder in 2023 brought a fresh wave of energy, as he infused the Buffaloes with both star power and a dynamic playing style. Sanders’ reputation as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history carries a significant weight, and he has proven his ability to recruit top talent, including his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and standout wide receiver, Travis Hunter. Colorado’s rise under Sanders, marked by a dramatic improvement in talent and performance, has made them one of the most talked-about teams in college football this season.
Both Sitake and Sanders have made their mark with distinct coaching philosophies. Sitake emphasizes a disciplined, balanced approach, with a focus on defense and the running game. He has instilled a winning culture at BYU, with the team’s strong emphasis on teamwork, physicality, and mental toughness. In contrast, Sanders brings a high-energy, fast-paced offense led by his son at quarterback and a roster filled with dynamic playmakers. His ability to recruit, combined with his brash and charismatic leadership style, has created an exciting and unpredictable brand of football at Colorado.
As the two teams meet in the Alamo Bowl, the game promises to be a tactical and emotional showdown. The battle between BYU’s disciplined approach and Colorado’s flashy, fast-paced style will be fascinating. BYU will rely on its physicality and strong defense to neutralize the speed and talent that Colorado brings to the field. Meanwhile, Sanders’ team will look to capitalize on their explosive playmakers, led by Shedeur Sanders, while hoping to outpace BYU with their fast, aggressive attack.
For both coaches, this bowl game will be an important milestone. For Sitake, it’s a chance to continue proving that BYU can thrive at the Power Five level and secure a strong start in the Big 12. For Sanders, the Alamo Bowl will be another opportunity to prove that his turnaround of Colorado is not just a flash in the pan but a sustained rise toward greatness. Ultimately, this matchup highlights the contrasting coaching styles and philosophies that will make the Alamo Bowl a thrilling and highly anticipated game.
