The Colorado Buffaloes will face off against the BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28. They’ll be led by star quarterback Shedeur Sanders. But the question remains: Why risk injury by playing the game?
Shedeur Sanders Offers Simple Explanation Why He’ll Start in the Alamo Bowl
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders has had a tremendous 2024 campaign, putting himself in a prime position to be selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to CFN’s latest 3-Round Mock Draft.
His completion percentage of 74.2% is the highest in the country and good enough for sixth in college football history. He owns Buffaloes single-season records in passing yards (3,926) and passing touchdowns (35).
He led Colorado to a 9-3 regular season record and a near berth in the Big 12 championship game following their 4-8 2023 season. They’re on the cusp of the programs’ first 10-win season since 2016 ahead of a matchup with the BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28.
But the risk remains: a potential long-term injury that could cost millions of dollars due to a potential plummet in the draft. In a bowl game that could easily be outshined by a long and lustrous NFL career, Sanders is going against the grain. He has his entire career.
“I don’t do what other people do. I feel like that’s even from the beginning,” Sanders said.
Beginning at a Historically Black College and University in Jackson State, Sanders “had every offer in the country” but opted to build a program alongside his father, head coach Deion Sanders.
After a 12-1 2022 season, the duo upgraded and joined the Colorado Buffaloes, fresh off a 1-11 season in the Pac-12. They’ve built the Colorado program up to where it stands today, with an opportunity to win 10 games in 2024.
“It’s about cherishing the moment. It’s about knowing this is the final collegiate game, and each and every game we left it all out there. There’s no regret,” Sanders said. “I don’t ever want to go anywhere with regret, so that’s the thing.”
Sanders also expressed his desire to play one final game with his Buffaloes teammates.
Regardless of his draft stock and the future following the Alamo Bowl, Sanders seems locked in on enjoying one final ride with his brothers and going out with a win over the Cougars.
And he’ll enjoy each and every moment while he’s at it.
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