Highlights, key plays and photos from BYU’s Pop-Tarts Bowl victory over Georgia Tech
The Cougars have clinched their first 12-win season since 2001
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BYU Cougars running back Enoch Nawahine (21) jumps over a defender during a run as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Jackson has been writing about sports for the Deseret News since 2023.
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The Deseret News is providing live coverage of Saturday’s Pop-Tarts Bowl between BYU and Georgia Tech. Check back for updates throughout the game.
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BYU Cougars running back Enoch Nawahine (21) hurdles Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back Omar Daniels (9) as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) hands the ball off to BYU Cougars running back Enoch Nawahine (21) as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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A BYU cheerleader carries the Y flag after a Cougar score as the BYU Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) eyes BYU Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) in the open as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) is tackled by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Kyle Efford (44) along the sideline after making a catch as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) makes a catch as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) looks at the defense as he runs the sideline after making a catch as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King (10) passes as BYU Cougars defensive end Viliami Po'Uha (45) tries to deflect the ball as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) and BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) celebrate after a touchdown as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars watch a replay after a Cougar fumble as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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A fan holds a sign as the BYU Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars punter Sam Vander Haar (35) sends a punt on its way as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Eric Rivers (3) isn’t able to make catch with BYU Cougars defensive end Nusi Taumoepeau (5) as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key questions a call as they and the BYU Cougars play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars defensive back Kevin Doe (31) tries to bring Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Shane Marshall (24) down on a run as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, argues a call as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars running back Jovesa Damuni (28) is smashed by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Kyle Efford (44) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back Tae Harris (27) and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets cornerback Jon Mitchell (29) as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars running back Enoch Nawahine (21) finds an opening in the line as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars running back Jovesa Damuni (28) is hit by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Kyle Efford (44) as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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The Goodyear Blimp flies over the Pop-Tarts Bowl as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) scores a touchdown as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, finished jamming a Pop-Tart into his mouth as the Cougars celebrate the win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougar fans gather on the edge of the railing after the game after the Cougars defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 25-21 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) celebrates his game saving interception in the endzone with teammates giving the Cougars the 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) intercepts a pass to Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Jamal Haynes (1) in the endzone sealing the 25-21 win for the Cougars in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, jams a Pop-Tart into his mouth as the Cougars celebrate the win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) celebrates his game saving interception in the endzone giving the Cougars the 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) intercepts a pass to Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Jamal Haynes (1) in the endzone sealing the 25-21 win for the Cougars in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) celebrates his game saving interception in the endzone with teammates giving the Cougars the 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, and his players celebrate after the Cougars defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars fans cheer as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) is shoved out of bounds short of the goalline by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defenders as they play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Dean Patterson (11) isn’t able to make the catch in the endzone as BYU Cougars linebacker Miles Hall (21) falls down as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho (61) lifts the trophy after the win as the Cougars defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 25-21 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars linebacker Siale Esera (54) signs autographs for fans after the game after the Cougars defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 25-21 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) hands the ball off to BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars players celebrate as the Cougars celebrate their 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) holds a Team Sprinkles sign as BYU Cougars celebrate their 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) takes a bite of a Pop-Tart as the BYU Cougars celebrate their 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) holds the MVP trophy up as the BYU Cougars celebrate their 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) is lifted onto teammate’s shoulders after making an interception to seal the win for the Cougars 25-21 over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, waves his hat toward fans as he leaves the field after the Cougars 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, waves his hat toward fans as he leaves the field after the Cougars 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) is lifted onto teammate’s shoulders after making an interception to seal the win for the Cougars 25-21 over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU players run onto the field for warmups as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets prepare to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU fans watch as as the Cougars prepare to play the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key talk at midfield as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets prepare to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key talk at midfield as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets prepare to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks to pass as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets warm up prior to playing in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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A young BYU fan holds up a sign as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets prepare to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) stretches his arm as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets warm up prior to playing in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Cole Hagen (17) warms up as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets prepare to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Fans pose for a photo as they anticipate the game between the BYU Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Fans cheer at the broadcast camera as they anticipate the game between the BYU Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU players warm up as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets prepare to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars fans just sit and watch after a fumble as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars running back Enoch Nawahine (21) jumps over a defender during a run as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) battles to get free as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes the ball as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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The Y flag is carried after a score as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Bear Bachmeier orchestrated a 9-play, 70-yard drive to produce Damuni’s score — one of the best series of the season for BYU.
Now it all comes down to BYU’s defense to capture the victory tonight.
11:13 — Earlier today, Enoch Nawahine was stuffed short of the goal line on fourth down.
But he got his revenge here in the fourth quarter, taking a direct snap two yards into the end zone to put BYU right back into this ballgame. Bear Bachmeier notched the 2-point conversion on a quarterback keeper. Georgia Tech 21, BYU 18.
Keanu Tanuvasa got the block, which was BYU’s second of the season — the other came Week 1 against Portland State.
The Cougars, who have struggled running the football and in the red zone, now have just under 16 minutes to erase a 11-point deficit.
6:56 — Now it’s Georgia Tech’s turn for a massive forced turnover in the red zone.
Bear Bachmeier was picked off in the end zone on third down, flushing away what once appeared to be a prime scoring opportunity for the Cougars. Georgia Tech 21, BYU 10.
The interception was Bachmeier’s seventh — and potentially most brutal — of the season.
10:55 — BYU’s defense gets a much-needed takeaway.
With Georgia Tech in the red zone, Haynes King threw a screen pass that caught and fumbled away, with Isaiah Glasker winning the mad dash for the loose football to recover at the BYU 31-yard line. Georgia Tech 21, BYU 10.
5:15 — In less than 15 seconds, Georgia Tech went from being down by three points to leading by two scores.
The Yellow Jackets immediately capitalized on Hagen’s fumble with another passing touchdown from the arm of Haynes King. Georgia Tech 21, BYU 10.
Despite holding possession for nearly five more minutes than Georgia Tech, the Cougars still trail by 11 points and will have quite the uphill climb ahead of them.
5:19 — Disaster for BYU.
Following Georgia Tech’s go-ahead score, Cody Hagen fumbled the ensuing kick return, with the Yellow Jackets jumping on the football for the first turnover of the game. Georgia Tech 14, BYU 10.
9:49 — Will Ferrin puts BYU ahead with a 22-yard field goal. BYU 10, Georgia Tech 7.
Through three drives, the Cougars have racked up 192 yards of offense, though their lack of running back depth has already hurt at times.
Tight end Carsen Ryan has had a loud start to the day, catching five passes for 81 yards.
First quarter
BYU 7, Georgia Tech 7
0:20 — Georgia Tech ties it up.
The Yellow Jackets drove 75 yards on 10 plays, scoring on a fourth down fake field goal turned direct snap touchdown from Trelain Maddox. BYU 7, Georgia Tech 7.
Roberts now has six touchdowns on the season and 18 for his eventful, lauded career.
8:39 — BYU’s lengthy opening drive ends with nothing to show for it.
The Cougars drove 74 yards down the field in 12 plays, only for reserve running back Enoch Nawahine to be stopped just inches from the goal line on fourth down. BYU 0, Georgia Tech 0.
With LJ Martin and Sione Moa both sidelined, BYU has been forced to throw more than usual, with Bear Bachmeier beginning 6 of 7 in passing for 56 yards.
However, Bachmeier appeared to aggravate a previous ankle injury during the drive. Keep an eye on how he looks health-wise moving forward today.
How to watch the game
The Pop-Tarts Bowl will be broadcast on ABC and can be streamed through the ESPN app.
Pregame prep
Here are a few stories to get you ready for the Pop-Tarts Bowl between BYU and Georgia Tech.