Coach Prime On Kalani Sitake After BYU’s Alamo Bowl Win: ‘I Love Him To Life’

Dec 29, 2024, 9:09 AM

Follow @kslsports...

SAN ANTONIO – Colorado head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders was gracious after BYU defeated his Buffs in the 2024 Alamo Bowl.

The Cougars pounced on Colorado, handing the Buffaloes a 36-14 loss. It was a wire-to-wire victory in favor of Kalani Sitake’s squad.

BYU’s win was its 11th of the season. Meanwhile, Coach Prime’s Buffs finished with a record of 9-4, an eight-win improvement from the team he inherited two years ago. Still, very few expected this outcome heading into the All-Big 12 matchup.

As the final seconds ran off the clock inside the Alamodome, Coach Prime and Sitake met at midfield and had a heartfelt exchange.

The two coaches were very complimentary of one another throughout the bowl festivities in San Antonio this week.

Coach Prime praised BYU head coach Kalani Sitake after the 36-14 Alamo Bowl

Even after the loss, Coach Prime remained complimentary of Kalani Sitake and his team.

“Wonderful job by BYU. They’re well-coached. They did a phenomenal job of running the football,” said Coach Prime. “Special teams kicked our butts. We couldn’t do [anything] offensively much at all. Defensively, I think we had some sound stops, but we didn’t eat enough, and we came up short.

“Not to take [anything] away from them. They played a heck of a football game. If I’m going to get my butt kicked, I’d rather get my butt kicked by that coach. I love him to life, man. He’s a good man.”

BYU and Colorado will meet again in the 2025 regular season during Big 12 Conference play. The date has not been established yet, but the game will occur in Boulder.

Respect between the two programs

Maybe this is the beginning of a friendly conference rivalry between the two programs.

“I think we found something in ourselves knowing that we had to prepare for them,” said Sitake after his team’s 36-14 victory. “I think there’s some great talent on that [Colorado] team. I think we have some great talent, too. But I have to give a lot of credit to Deion, Coach Prime, and his staff; they’re a talented team.”

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. It allows you to stream live radio and video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

KSL 5 TV Live

KSLSports Feed

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Warriors Shocked By Jazz On Eve Of Trade Deadline

The youth of the Utah Jazz overcame the veteran experience of the Golden State Warriors in the team's 131-128 victory on Wednesday night.

10 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Takeaways From Utah’s 72-59 Win Over Colorado

Utah Basketball was back at home against the Colorado Buffs in a must-win game. Here are the takeaways from tonight's action.

11 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jazz Stun Warriors With Late Comeback To Steal Win

SALT LAKE CITY - Golden State looked to be pulling away early in the fourth, but a charge spearheaded by a developing core handed the Utah Jazz a 131-128 win.

12 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Svi Mikhailiuk, Walker Kessler Combine For Dunk

Jazz guard Svi Mikhailiuk helped end an 11-0 Warriors run when he executed a perfectly placed lob pass to Walker Kessler for the dunk over two defenders.

12 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Late Scoring Surge Leads To Utah Basketball’s 72-59 Win Over Colorado

Utah basketball secured a comfortable 72-59 win over Colorado thanks to a late 14-2 run in the final minutes to build a comfortable margin.

12 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

John Collins Spins Cycle Ends In Two-Handed Slam

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Jazz started hot on Monday, aided by the outstanding play of power forward John Collins and a posterizing slam. 

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Coach Prime On Kalani Sitake After BYU’s Alamo Bowl Win: ‘I Love Him To Life’