BOULDER, Colo. — With the fishing adventures concluded and the award ceremonies behind them, newly crowned Heisman Trophy recipient Travis Hunter and the Colorado Buffaloes are now focused on their bowl game aspirations.

Bowl games are rare for the Buffaloes, but now the team is getting ready for a chance to showcase their skills.

“This has always been our objective,” commented coach Deion Sanders, as the 20th-ranked Buffaloes (9-3) resumed practice in anticipation of their battle against fellow Big 12 rival No. 17 BYU (10-2) in the Alamo Bowl set for December 28. “However, we aren’t content and we’re still striving for more. Our journey continues.”

Sanders has significantly improved the Buffaloes since he started, transforming them from a four-win squad to bowl contenders. While it may not be the College Football Playoff, especially after a setback against Kansas late in the season, reaching the Alamo Bowl is a notable achievement. This marks only the third bowl appearance for the program in the last 17 years, all of which have been at the Alamo Bowl.

The excitement during practice was palpable, leading to a minor altercation among players.

“I wouldn’t recommend it,” Sanders said. “But I was pleased to see that level of intensity.”

Sanders has high expectations for both standout player Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who are both projected to be early selections in the upcoming NFL draft. The players share this drive for success.

“This isn’t just a bowl game meant for festivities or gift exchanges over the holidays,” explained Deion Sanders. “We intend to go there and play Buff football. You think Travis wants to step onto that field and underperform with the Heisman in attendance? Shedeur wants to play his best, especially with the possibility of being the top pick in the draft. Our focus is on finishing strong.”

Since concluding their regular season with a dominating 52-0 victory over Oklahoma State on November 29, it has been a busy time for Colorado. Deion Sanders carved out time for a fishing trip in Texas.

Hunter has been on a recognition spree, capturing the Heisman as well as The Associated Press Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders earned the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award while setting a new school record for single-season passing yards.

“Travis, alongside ‘Coach Prime’ and Shedeur, has been essential in revitalizing winning at Colorado,” remarked Colorado’s offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur.

As the Buffaloes look ahead, they are in search of a potential quarterback from the transfer portal to succeed Shedeur Sanders next season.

Speculation suggests that Julian “JuJu” Lewis, a highly regarded five-star recruit from Georgia, may soon take charge of the offense.

“He possesses a promising future,” stated Shurmur. “Time will reveal how soon he steps into that role.”

Deion Sanders expressed admiration for Lewis, noting that he sees similarities between Lewis and his quarterback son.

“I recognized many parallels in how Julian’s upbringing has shaped him, particularly from conversations with his father,” Sanders explained. “It’s astonishing how alike they are.”

Sanders also commended his former team, Jackson State, for their recent victory over South Carolina State, winning 28-7 in the Celebration Bowl last Saturday. With a record of 27-6 at Jackson State, Sanders acknowledged their progress.

“That’s fantastic. I admire them greatly,” he said. “They have elevated their game — this was always the vision.”

Deion Sanders was surprised when linebacker Jeremiah Brown entered the transfer portal, expecting a discussion beforehand since Brown had previously followed him from Jackson State.

“He contacts me about every other thing,” Sanders noted, “even when he catches a decent-sized fish.”

After a meeting resolved any misunderstandings, Brown opted to remain with the team and even left with one of Sanders’ fishing rods.

“It was just lying around in the office. I didn’t actually give it to him; he picked it up and left with it,” Sanders explained, expressing his relief. “I am thrilled he’s stayed, as I care about him dearly. It’s a blessing we could clarify everything.”