Read on foxsports.comBYU Rallies to Win Pop-Tarts Bowl, Clinching Historic 12-Win Season
In a dramatic finish at the Pop-Tarts Bowl, the No. 12 BYU Cougars overcame an 11-point second-half deficit to defeat the No. 24 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 25-21. The victory, sealed by a late-game interception in the end zone, secured BYU's first 12-win season since 2001 and capped a remarkable year under head coach Kalani Sitake. The game featured standout performances from freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier and a record-setting day for Georgia Tech's Haynes King, whose career ended with a final, fateful throw.
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 college football bowl season, the No. 12 BYU Cougars authored a memorable comeback to defeat the No. 24 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 25-21 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. The victory was not just another postseason win; it cemented a historic 12-win campaign for BYU, a feat not accomplished by the program in nearly a quarter-century. The game, defined by red-zone struggles and a frantic final drive, showcased resilience and provided a fitting end to a breakout season for the Cougars and a bittersweet finale for Georgia Tech's veteran quarterback.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The narrative of the Pop-Tarts Bowl was one of dramatic shifts. BYU appeared to seize early control but was stymied on the game's opening drive, famously stopped on a fourth-and-goal at the Georgia Tech 1-yard line. The Yellow Jackets capitalized on the momentum, building a lead that seemed commanding. The turning point came in a dizzying 10-second span late in the second quarter. After quarterback Haynes King connected with Eric Rivers for a touchdown to take a 14-10 lead, BYU's Cody Hagen muffed the ensuing kickoff. Georgia Tech recovered and, on the very next play, King found tight end J.T. Byrne for another score, pushing the lead to 11 points.
The BYU Comeback and Decisive Drive
Facing an 11-point deficit, BYU's offense, led by freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, began its methodical response. The comeback was capped by a masterful, game-winning drive in the final minutes. Trailing 21-19, the Cougars embarked on a nine-play, 70-yard march that consumed precious clock. The drive was kept alive by Bachmeier's precision, as he passed for 57 yards during the series. The culmination was a 4-yard touchdown run by Jovesa Damuni with just two minutes remaining, putting BYU ahead for the first time since the early stages of the game.
A Dramatic Final Sequence
Georgia Tech, however, was not finished. With their season on the line, the Yellow Jackets mounted a desperate final drive. Facing a fourth-and-15 from their own 16-yard line, Haynes King launched a 66-yard completion to Eric Rivers, placing the ball at the BYU 18 with 35 seconds left. The stage was set for a potential game-tying or winning score. After three plays, the game came down to one final fourth-down attempt from the 18-yard line. King targeted running back Jamal Haynes in the end zone, but BYU defensive back Evan Johnson intercepted the pass, sealing the 25-21 victory for the Cougars and ending Georgia Tech's last hope.
Statistical Standouts and Historical Context
The game featured several notable individual performances that framed the larger story. BYU's Bear Bachmeier, in just his freshman season, delivered a poised performance under pressure, completing 27 of 38 passes for 325 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. For Georgia Tech, senior quarterback Haynes King's day was one of historic achievement and ultimate heartbreak. During the game, King set the Georgia Tech career record for completions, surpassing Reggie Ball's mark, and became only the second player in school history to surpass 10,000 yards of total offense, joining Joe Hamilton. He finished his career with 10,184 total yards.
The Bigger Picture: Season Implications
The outcome carried significant weight for both programs' seasons. For BYU, the win secured a 12-2 record, marking the program's first 12-win season since 2001 and a major milestone for head coach Kalani Sitake. It served as a powerful statement in a year of transition and high achievement. Conversely, for Georgia Tech, the loss cast a shadow on a otherwise breakthrough season under coach Brent Key. The Yellow Jackets finished 9-4, but the defeat was their third in a row, a skid that cost them a spot in the ACC championship game and the College Football Playoff, ending the year on a note of disappointment.
The 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl will be remembered as a classic encapsulation of college football's drama: a historic comeback, a freshman star emerging, a senior's record-breaking career ending in a moment of agony, and the crowning of a historic season for a resilient team. For BYU, the victory is a cornerstone for future success. For Georgia Tech, it is a reminder of how fine the margins are at the sport's highest level.
