Imagine a bowl game that sparks both excitement and controversy, where a last-minute matchup becomes the talk of the town. That’s exactly what’s happening with the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando, and it’s a story you won’t want to miss. While the spotlight initially fell on Notre Dame’s surprising snub from the College Football Playoff, the real drama unfolded when BYU and Georgia Tech stepped in to steal the show. But here’s where it gets controversial: Did Notre Dame’s absence pave the way for a more deserving matchup, or was this just a stroke of luck for the teams involved? Let’s dive in.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl, set for Saturday, December 27, at 1:30 p.m. MST in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, will feature No. 12 BYU (11-2) against No. 22 Georgia Tech (9-3). Broadcast on ABC and available on 102.7 FM/1160 AM, this game promises to be a highlight of the postseason. Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan couldn’t contain his enthusiasm, calling the matchup ‘a special treat.’ But why? Because Georgia Tech, led by quarterback Haynes King and coach Brent Key, has been a force to reckon with this season, even giving No. 3 Georgia a run for their money in a 16-9 loss. Meanwhile, BYU, despite a humbling 34-7 defeat to Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship, remains a formidable opponent with freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier—assuming he’s fully recovered from a recent ankle injury.
And this is the part most people miss: Both teams were on the cusp of the 12-team playoff field until late-season stumbles. BYU’s losses to Texas Tech and Georgia Tech’s 1-3 finish, including that narrow loss to Georgia, left them just outside the cut. Yet, Hogan insists this game could rival even the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in terms of excitement. ‘Two class acts. Two really good football teams. Stars all over the field,’ he said. ‘We feel blessed.’
But let’s address the elephant in the room: Notre Dame’s absence. Coach Marcus Freeman and athletic director Pete Bevacqua were openly frustrated by the snub, but BYU’s Kalani Sitake took the high road, praising the committee’s efforts and focusing on the opportunity ahead. ‘I think there’s some great teams in there,’ Sitake said. ‘The unfortunate part is that there’s a bunch of teams that could play in it.’ Is this a diplomatic response, or does Sitake genuinely believe BYU’s place is in Orlando rather than the CFP?
One of the most intriguing storylines will be the quarterback duel between Georgia Tech’s 24-year-old King, an NFL prospect, and BYU’s 19-year-old Bachmeier. Assuming King doesn’t opt out—a growing trend in bowl games—this could be a battle for the ages. When asked about opt-outs, Key dismissed the idea, emphasizing his team’s commitment: ‘One of the four pillars of our program is commitment. And when you commit to something, you commit for the full time.’
BYU’s seniors, like Chase Roberts and Tanner Wall, echoed this sentiment, vowing to finish the season strong. ‘We’re going to play our hearts out,’ Roberts said. ‘We want to end on a bang.’ This game isn’t just about pride—it’s about momentum for next season. BYU, making its 43rd bowl appearance, and Georgia Tech, looking to bounce back from a 2024 Birmingham Bowl loss, both have something to prove.
Here’s a fun fact: Both teams faced Colorado this season, with Georgia Tech winning 27-20 in Week 1 and BYU edging out a 24-21 victory later in the season. Yet, Georgia Tech’s season took a turn after a 48-36 loss to North Carolina State, while BYU’s consistency kept them in the conversation. ‘Georgia Tech’s not an easy team to play,’ Sitake admitted. ‘They do a lot of things that will be difficult for us.’
As the game approaches, one thing is clear: This isn’t just another bowl game. It’s a chance for two teams to rewrite their narratives and prove they belong in the national conversation. But here’s the question: Will this matchup live up to the hype, or will it be overshadowed by the CFP drama? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this unexpected yet thrilling showdown.
