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
Jay Drew
By Jay Drew
Jay has covered sports in Utah for more than 30 years and has been writing for the Deseret News since 2019.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Senior tight end Carsen Ryan knew the No. 12 BYU Cougars would be playing without their best player, running back LJ Martin, in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday afternoon.

So he took matters into his own hands, as it were.

Ryan, who transferred to BYU for his final season of eligibility after playing at UCLA and Utah, had a career-high eight receptions for a career-high 120 yards in the Cougars’ dramatic 25-21 win over No. 22 Georgia Tech at Camping World Stadium.

The performance should propel the former Timpview High star into more consideration in April’s NFL draft. Time and again the 6-foot-4, 250-pounder came up big time and time again for the Cougars, who had to go to the passing game almost exclusively with Martin watching on the sidelines and quarterback Bear Bachmeier ailing with a sprained left ankle.

“It felt great. It is so special, just seeing everyone after we won that game and the fight that we had as a team, and being able to play like that, it is so special,” Ryan said. “It is the best game I have had in my career in college.

“I am just so grateful for the opportunity to be here and for the coaching staff and the players and the teammates who have helped me get to this point.”

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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

Ryan served notice that he would be a factor on the first play of the game, as he hauled in a 12-yard pass from Bachmeier. He made another nice catch on that same drive, but the drive stalled at the Georgia Tech 1-yard line when Enoch Nawahine was stuffed on fourth down.

On BYU’s second possession, Bachmeier threw a 6-yard pass to Ryan and a 28-yard pass to Parker Kingston before connecting with Chase Roberts for a 7-yard touchdown.

Kingston caught five passes for 76 yards and Roberts caught seven passes for 57 yards in the final game of a brilliant college career.

“I knew we were going to have to throw the ball a lot and I was going to be a part of that,” Ryan said. “All month, we have been practicing and putting plays in to give me the ball.

“The ball came my way a lot, and I was able to get the opportunity to make plays.”

Ryan was also effective as a blocker, shoving Nawahine into the end zone for a touchdown with 11:13 remaining that trimmed Georgia Tech’s lead to 21-16.

Then Bachmeier ran for the two-point conversion, a run that doesn’t get put in the official game stats but was incredibly fortuitous nevertheless.

“He is a fighter,” Ryan said of the freshman. “I give him so much credit. He’s pretty banged up. For him to run and get in the end zone, I know that hurt his ankle, hurt him a lot.

“He’s just such a fighter, a dude. It is so good play with him and see the maturity and the grit. I am so proud of him.”

In the second half, Ryan added catches of 18, 18, 13 and 8 yards. The 8-yard catch came during BYU’s game-winning 70-yard touchdown drive. Jovesa Damuni did the honors from the 4-yard line.

“It is just special,” Ryan said of his single season at BYU. “I’ve had a different journey here. This is my one season with this team and with these guys, and I am just so grateful for that chance.

“The friendships I have made and the brothers I have now, I will never forget how much I’ve learned spiritually, mentally and as a football player.”

Head coach Kalani Sitake said the Yellow Jackets (9-4) required the Cougars to play one of their best games of the season, and they did that after a poor first half.

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“Really proud of the guys for getting to 12-2,” Sitake said. “Really proud of the coaches, staff and support staff. Really proud of the fans who showed up.”

Attendance was 34,126 and roughly two-thirds of the crowd was cheering for BYU.

“The fact that we did it (12 wins) with a Big 12 schedule says that these guys are great athletes, great players, great talents,” Sitake said.

“It has been a nice thing for me to see in 10 years of being a head coach, and I am really excited about Year 11, too.”

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