Sat Dec 27 19:40:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Pop-Tarts Bowl: BYU, Georgia Tech Eye Victory and Conference Bragging Rights
ORLANDO, Fla. – Forget the pre-playoff bowl game blues. The No. 12 BYU Cougars and the No. 22 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are fired up for Saturday’s Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium, with more than just a win on their minds. (1:30 p.m. MST, ABC) Coaches Kalani Sitake of BYU and Brent Key of Georgia Tech emphasized the game’s significance for their programs and for conference pride.
BYU (11-2) aims to prove the Big 12 Conference deserves more respect from the College Football Playoff committee, while Georgia Tech (9-3) seeks to demonstrate the ACC’s strength.
“We are really excited to play BYU, a team that really should have been in the playoffs this year, with their body of work and what they’ve done,” said Key.
BYU faces offensive challenges with injuries and opt-outs. Star running back LJ Martin is out due to shoulder surgery, and RB2 Sione Moa is also unavailable. Sitake expressed confidence in backups Enoch Nawahine, Jovesa Damuni, and Preston Rex.
“LJ is out, but for the rest of the team, we have a bunch of guys that are still banged up and will be game-time decisions,” Sitake said.
Georgia Tech also faces changes, with Chris Weinke stepping in as offensive play-caller after Buster Faulkner’s departure.
Despite the challenges, both teams are focused on securing a victory. BYU hopes to achieve 12 wins for the first time since 2001, while Georgia Tech looks to cap off a strong season with a signature win.
“To be able to (get a 12th win) as a senior, and with this team, and with my brothers, that will be something super special, and will go down in the history books,” said BYU receiver Chase Roberts.
With conference pride and program momentum on the line, expect a hard-fought battle in Orlando.
First Piper 