In a dramatic finish at the Pop-Tarts Bowl, the No. 12 BYU Cougars rallied from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the No. 22 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 25-21, securing their 12th victory of the season in Orlando. The win, played on December 27, 2025, capped a remarkable comeback that saw BYU score 15 unanswered points in the final period, highlighted by a game-winning touchdown and a last-minute interception.
The game began with both teams exchanging scores, but Georgia Tech surged ahead in the second quarter thanks to a quick strike following a BYU fumble on a kickoff return. At halftime, the Yellow Jackets held a 21-10 lead, with quarterback Haynes King connecting for two touchdown passes. BYU’s offense, led by freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, moved the ball effectively but struggled in the red zone, settling for a field goal and throwing an interception that kept points off the board.
After a scoreless third quarter where defenses dominated, BYU’s special teams made a pivotal play by blocking a Georgia Tech field goal attempt early in the fourth. This sparked the Cougars’ comeback, as they engineered an 80-yard drive culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by Enoch Nawahine, followed by a successful 2-point conversion to cut the deficit to 21-18.
With momentum shifting, BYU forced a punt and then marched 70 yards down the field, with running back Jovesa Damuni plunging in from 4 yards out to give the Cougars a 25-21 lead with just two minutes remaining. Georgia Tech responded with a desperate drive, converting a miraculous fourth-down play to reach the BYU 18-yard line. However, on another fourth down with seconds left, King’s pass into the end zone was intercepted by BYU defensive back Evan Johnson, sealing the victory.
Bear Bachmeier finished with 325 passing yards and a touchdown, showcasing his poise in a pressure-packed setting. Tight end Carsen Ryan was a key target, hauling in passes for 120 yards. For Georgia Tech, King threw for 123 yards and two scores in the first half, but the offense stalled after halftime. The loss dropped the Yellow Jackets to a 9-4 final record.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl, known for its whimsical traditions, featured mascot teams of Pop-Tarts flavors that were ‘sacrificed’ in a giant toaster after the game. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake celebrated by eating a freshly toasted Pop-Tart, and players showered him with mini pastries in a joyous locker room scene. The bowl’s unique festivities added a festive layer to the competitive contest.
BYU’s victory marks their sixth comeback win of the season and their first 12-win campaign since 2001, solidifying their status as a rising force in college football. The Cougars, who joined the Big 12 Conference recently, demonstrated resilience and clutch performance under coach Sitake. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech concludes a solid season but will rue missed opportunities in the bowl game.
Looking ahead, BYU’s success sets high expectations for the 2026 season, while Georgia Tech aims to build on its progress. The Pop-Tarts Bowl provided a thrilling conclusion to the college football bowl season, emphasizing the excitement and unpredictability of postseason play.
