SAN ANTONIO — Christmas Day didn’t feel normal to a lot of the Colorado football players, but they weren’t complaining.
On Sunday, the Buffaloes held their first practice at the University of the Incarnate Word in preparation for Thursday’s Valero Alamo Bowl against Oklahoma State.
“No, it didn’t (feel normal),” senior safety Tedric Thompson said. “It was my first time being away from my mom and my sister, so it was different. It was cool, though.”
Several of the players have family in town, while others don’t. But, in general, the Buffs (10-3, No. 10 in the College Football Playoff rankings, No. 11 in the Associated Press poll) are excited for the opportunity to be here and finally play in a bowl game. It’s CU’s first bowl appearance since 2007.
“Everyone wants to spend Christmas with family, but this is my extended family,” senior linebacker Jimmie Gilbert said. “To be able to be here and spend time with them and do something that we’ve never done before at a time we’ve never done it, it’s great.”
Of course, being here presents some challenges, as the Buffs have to balance game preparation with the events surrounding the game.
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