SAN ANTONIO >> There are times when Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders makes football look easy.

During his sensational college career, Sanders has thrown for 14,139 yards and 132 touchdowns. This season, he’s completed a career-best 74.2% of his passes, which leads the nation.

A big part of Sanders’ success, however, is embracing and attacking challenges, and he’s looking forward to the challenge he and the Buffs will face on Saturday night against BYU in the Valero Alamo Bowl (5:30 p.m. MT, ABC).

“For me, it’s problem-solving,” Sanders said of what he’s most looking forward to in facing the Cougars. “We know they’re going to do a lot of exotic things and a lot of different things that we probably haven’t seen on film, but we just have to always stick to the basics and do what we do best.”

Led by Sanders, the Buffs (9-3) are averaging 34.5 points per game, ranking third in the Big 12. BYU (10-2), meanwhile, leads the Big 12 in allowing just 20.1 points per game and its pass defense has been exceptional.

“They’re a talented team, and they listen to their coaches and do everything 98% right,” Sanders said. “It’s defense, so defense — eventually somebody is going to bust a coverage, but that’s just what it is. Watching film on them, it’s very hard to find a tell and very hard to find a flaw when it comes to them because of the way they go about their business, the way they get in their stunts, the way they’re able to move and react different ways. You don’t know who is doing what, so they have a great scheme. They have a great everything.”

Sanders has thrown just 25 interceptions in his career, including just eight this year, while BYU leads the nation with 1.67 interceptions per game this year (20 in 12 games).

Figuring out how to beat the Cougars has Sanders excited about this game.

“I’m very blessed for my final collegiate game to go against that type of challenge,” he said.

It’s a challenge the Cougars are embracing, as well.

“It’s an explosive offense,” BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill said. “I think it’s a fun challenge for us. It’s their pass offense against our pass defense that will be kind of the matchup on our side of the ball that everyone is going to be looking at. I’m excited for the challenge.”

Enjoying the moment

Colorado’s 100-year-old superfan Peggy Coppom has gained a lot of notoriety since head coach Deion Sanders arrived in Boulder two years ago, in large part because of his great admiration for her.

Coach Prime made sure Coppom got to San Antonio in style, flying on a private and being a special guest at activities this week.

“The parade (Thursday) night was phenomenal, and seeing Miss Peggy embraced was awesome,” Coach Prime said.

Coppom’s fame has gone beyond Buff Nation, though.

“I got to meet Miss Peggy yesterday, and that was awesome,” BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said. “I’ve seen and heard about her, and then I got to give her a quick hug and talk to her for a quick minute and that was super special.”

Notable

Coach Prime has been taking morning walks around San Antonio and said he’s enjoying the city and how he’s been embraced by everyone. “The hospitality and the love and support, I mean, even from the homeless people, has been phenomenal,” he said. “That’s when you know you got it going on in a good city, like, I mean the homeless people are, ‘Hey, Coach Prime, way to go!’” … CU receiver LaJohntay Wester, who has worn No. 10 all year, has earned the right to wear No. 1 this week after taking care of business in the classroom. “It’s a blessing to be able to get the number that you wanted,” he said. “The process, it was a tough process. I had to get my grades up, but I completed it. I got it done. I’m excited for the game on Saturday.”