The Colorado Buffaloes’ 36-14 loss to BYU in the Alamo Bowl wasn’t just a tough night on the field, it also sparked controversy off it.
Former NFL kicker Jay Feely, father of injured Colorado specialist Jace Feely was one of those who publicly criticized head coach Deion Sanders’ leadership.
Jay Feely rips Sanders’ special teams
Feely took aim at Coach Prime’s handling of the team, particularly on special teams.
“Colorado getting crushed on special teams. Not surprising,” Feely wrote on X.
“That’s what happens when you don’t have a special teams coach and don’t make it a priority as a HC.”
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BYU capitalized on Colorado’s struggles in all three phases of the game.
The Cougars dominated offensively, scoring in every quarter, while their special teams delivered a critical 64-yard punt return touchdown by Parker Kingston in the second quarter.
Meanwhile, Colorado kicker Alejandro Mata missed a 48-yard field goal, adding to the Buffaloes’ woes.
Sanders acknowledged the team’s shortcomings after the game, saying, “Special teams kicked our butts and we couldn’t do nothing offensively much at all.”
Colorado was shut out in the first half, managing just 61 total yards before halftime, including minus-9 rushing yards.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns but was sacked three times and intercepted twice.
Travis Hunter provided a rare bright spot, recording 106 receiving yards, including a 43-yard touchdown.
Despite these efforts, Colorado’s offense couldn’t overcome its inefficiencies, finishing with only two net rushing yards.
Feely’s remarks ignited a debate among fans.
While some supported his criticism, others felt his comments were inappropriate.
Coach Prime Postgame Message To The Team
: @DeionSanderspic.twitter.com/Rd37TxQGiM
? We Coming (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) December 29, 2024
“Don’t be a little league parent, Jay. Not a good look!” one fan responded online.
Jace Feely, who transferred to Colorado in 2023 after starting his career at Arizona State, suffered an ACL tear in September.
He had been handling long-range field goals and kickoffs before the injury.
Speculation has now arisen about his future with the program following his father’s pointed comments.
For Colorado, the Alamo Bowl loss capped a season that started with promise but ended with lingering questions about the program’s trajectory under Sanders.