Georgia Tech vs. BYU Prediction: Pop-Tarts Bowl Preview
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College football’s bowl slate for the 2025-26 season continues on Saturday, Dec. 27 with Georgia Tech and BYU meeting in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. The Yellow Jackets and Cougars both had realistic expectations of making the College Football Playoff at some point during the ‘25 campaign, so this meeting on Saturday could be one of this year’s best bowl matchups.
Georgia Tech started ‘25 with a 8-0 record and appeared to be on track for a spot in the ACC title game. However, coach Brent Key’s team stumbled a bit down the stretch with losses in three out of their last four games. A leaky defense was problematic in losses to NC State (48-36) and Pitt (42-28), while rival Georgia (16-9) handled the Yellow Jackets to close out the regular season. With a win on Saturday, Georgia Tech would have its first double-digit win season since ‘14.
Despite some late turnover in the offseason with quarterback Jake Retzlaff’s departure, BYU didn’t miss a beat under coach Kalani Sitake. The Cougars went 11-2 for the second year in a row and would’ve made the playoff with a win over Texas Tech in the Big 12 title game. True freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier and a suffocating defense led BYU to its fourth double-digit win total over the last six years.
BYU holds a 3-1 series edge over Georgia Tech. These two teams have not played since ‘13. The Cougars have won three out of their last four bowl trips. The Yellow Jackets have lost two out of their last three postseason matchups.
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Pop-Tarts Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. BYU Odds, Details
Location: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
Kickoff: Saturday, Dec. 27 at 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: ABC
Spread: BYU -4.5
Over/Under: 56.5
Announcers: Mark Jones, Roddy Jones, Quint Kessenich
Georgia Tech vs. BYU: Keys to Victory
Why Georgia Tech Will Win The Pop-Tarts Bowl
BYU is bringing one of the Big 12’s top defenses to Orlando for Saturday’s matchup, but Key’s group can counter with an offense that averaged 33.1 points a contest this year. Quarterback Haynes King (329 total yards a game) is the catalyst for this unit and is expected to handle a heavy workload in his final game with the Yellow Jackets.
Also, King’s presence is instrumental with Georgia Tech’s offense navigating transition for this contest. Coordinator Buster Faulkner departed Atlanta following the regular season to take on the play-calling duties at Florida next year. With Faulkner off to Gainesville, quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke will handle the play-calling responsibilities on Saturday.
In addition to his ability to effectively distribute the ball through the air, King leads the team with 922 rushing yards and 15 scores on the ground. The one-two punch of Malachi Hosley (634 yards) and Jamal Haynes (504) will help King pound away at a BYU rush defense that was a brick wall (122.1 rushing yards allowed a game) in the regular season.
Georgia Tech’s defense struggled down the stretch, surrendering 6.7 yards a snap in November and allowing three of the last four opponents to eclipse 34 or more points. However, the month to prepare and get healthy could help this unit tighten up its play for Saturday’s game. Also, the Yellow Jackets will dodge one of BYU’s top playmakers, as running back LJ Martin is out due to injury.
Why BYU Will Win The Pop-Tarts Bowl
BYU’s optimism for a victory is really about two factors: Defense and quarterback Bear Bachmeier.
Outside of the 34-7 loss to Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship, no opponent crossed over the 30-point mark against the Cougars’ defense. Sitake’s group held teams to 5.1 yards a play, registered 30 sacks, and allowed only 122.1 yards a game on the ground. Linebackers Jack Kelly and Isaiah Glasker (combined 22 tackles for a loss) form a strong second level that will be instrumental in keeping Georgia Tech’s prolific rushing attack in check.
Bachmeier won a three-man competition this offseason and started all 13 games for the Cougars as a true freshman. The California native threw for 2,708 yards and 14 touchdowns and added 527 yards and 11 scores on the ground. Bachmeier’s legs and ability to extend plays could be called upon more than usual on Saturday, as BYU won’t have star running back LJ Martin due to shoulder surgery. Depth in the backfield has been a concern behind Martin all season, with Enoch Nawahine (15 carries) likely to work as the No. 1 option against the Yellow Jackets.
With limited production returning at running back, Sitake and play-caller Aaron Roderick will ask more of Bachmeier on the ground, but could also lean on the pass to get the ball to standout receivers Parker Kingston (61 catches) and Chase Roberts (47) in space.
Pop-Tarts Bowl Prediction: BYU 31, Georgia Tech 24
The turnover battle is worth monitoring on Saturday. BYU is plus-eight in margin this year, while Georgia Tech is minus-six. The Cougars will miss Martin, but Bachmeier should consistently move the ball against the Yellow Jackets’ shaky defense. King will land a few punches against BYU’s standout front. However, the combination of Bachmeier, and a couple of timely stops by the Cougars’ defense will seal this game in the fourth quarter.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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