The Pop Tart Bowl tips off on December 27 at 3:30 p.m. ET as No. 12 BYU faces No. 22 Georgia Tech in a Big 12-ACC bowl showdown at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Both teams enter this matchup disappointed after just missing the College Football Playoff but hungry for a statement win.
🔥 Quick Facts
- BYU’s Record: 11-2 (Big 12 runner-up after conference championship loss)
- Georgia Tech’s Record: 9-3 (ACC team seeking their first 10-win season since 2014)
- Kickoff Time: 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, December 27 on ABC
- Series History: BYU leads 3-1 against Georgia Tech in all-time matchups
Matchup Overview: Big 12 vs. ACC Conference Pride
World Baseball Classic 2026 bracket revealed: which teams advance and when to watch
World Cup 2026: three teams set to inherit Iran’s qualification spot
The Pop Tart Bowl, now in its 36th year, pairs two ranked teams that were both considered for playoff positioning. BYU earned the Big 12 runner-up spot after losing the conference championship, while Georgia Tech represents the ACC as the top-ranked team outside the playoff bracket from their conference. The game takes place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, with significant conference pride on the line.
This represents a unique matchup between two teams wanting to prove their playoff case was legitimate. BYU’s 11-2 record and Georgia Tech’s 9-3 mark showcase competitive programs from different power conference landscapes. The Yellow Jackets are particularly motivated as a win would give them their first 10-win season since 2014, a milestone achievement for the program.
BYU’s Offensive Challenge Against Georgia Tech’s Defense
Caitlin Clark powers Team USA to dominant win over Senegal in FIBA World Cup qualifier opener
USA moves into WBC quarterfinals after Italy stuns Mexico
BYU will face some adversity heading into this matchup. The Cougars are dealing with significant roster depletions on the offensive side, including injuries to key players that have limited their usual firepower. Despite this challenge, BYU’s offense remains one of the nation’s most efficient units when healthy. Jake Retzlaff, the starting quarterback, leads an offense that has demonstrated consistency throughout the season.
Georgia Tech boasts one of the better defensive units in college football, which could present matchup problems for a depleted BYU offense. The Yellow Jackets’ defense will look to maintain their strong season performance while limiting BYU’s scoring opportunities. This defensive strength represents Georgia Tech’s best path to victory against the higher-seeded Cougars.
| Category | BYU | Georgia Tech |
| Record | 11-2 | 9-3 |
| Team Ranking | No. 12 | No. 22 |
| QB Leader | Jake Retzlaff | Haynes King |
| Spread | -4 (Favorite) | +4 (Underdog) |
Key Storylines: Haynes King and Georgia Tech’s Momentum
Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King has emerged as a dynamic dual-threat weapon for the Yellow Jackets, accounting for 25 touchdowns in 11 games during the regular season. King’s wrecking-ball style of play has elevated the Yellow Jackets to competitive status throughout 2025. His ability to escape pressure and extend plays with both his arm and legs keeps defenses off balance.
The Yellow Jackets also benefit from having Jamal Haynes as a top-rated running back, making them one of only two teams with both a quarterback and running back ranked in the top 9 nationally. Georgia Tech is hoping their late-season momentum and defensive prowess can overcome the talent advantage BYU brings to the field. For BYU, stopping King’s unconventional play style will be critical to their bowl game success.
Playoff Disappointment Fueling Both Teams’ Motivation
Both BYU and Georgia Tech expected to compete for College Football Playoff berths this season and fell short. BYU’s 11-2 record and Big 12 runner-up status reflects a strong season that came up just short of national championship conversation. The Cougars are among the most disappointed teams in bowl season, having expected longer postseason play.
Georgia Tech’s 9-3 record and top ACC positioning further outside the playoff represents similar disappointment in Athens. However, the opportunity to reach 10 victories and a bowl victory provides Georgia Tech with a chance at a partially redemptive finish. The Pop Tart Bowl serves as a platform for both teams to prove their regular season performance was legitimate and their programs belong among the nation’s elite.
Will BYU overcome Georgia Tech to make a statement in the Pop Tart Bowl?
BYU enters the contest as a 3.5-4 point favorite depending on the sportsbook, with the over/under set at 56 total points. Most expert predictions favor BYU covering the spread, with CFB Graphs giving the Cougars a 64.8% chance of victory and a projected final score of 30-22 BYU. However, ESPN’s FPI gives BYU a 65.7% win probability, suggesting this game could remain competitive throughout.
Some analysts believe Georgia Tech’s defensive strength could keep them closer than the spread suggests, with key experts taking the Jackets as a play against the spread. The turnover battle will prove critical, as BYU has posted a plus-8 turnover margin this season, a significant advantage that could determine the game’s outcome in a high-stakes bowl matchup.
Sources
- ESPN – Game preview and FPI projections
- CBS Sports – Pop Tarts Bowl predictions and odds analysis
- Sports Illustrated – Advanced analytics on BYU vs. Georgia Tech
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.