Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs BYU Cougars Pop-Tarts Bowl Prediction - 12/27/2025
Updated July 9, 2026
The Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday will pit the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-3) against the BYU Cougars (11-2) in one of the more exciting bowl games outside of the College Football Playoff. Both teams enjoyed strong 2025 campaigns and come into this game with a chance to get one last win over a quality opponent. Here, I've broken down this matchup for you and you will find my Georgia Tech vs BYU prediction below.
Pick: | BYU -3.5 |
Confidence: | 4/5 |
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Both Georgia Tech and BYU put together impressive seasons but just missed out on College Football Playoff inclusion, making this bowl game a chance for redemption heading into the offseason. BYU enters as the higher-ranked team and slight favorite after finishing 11-2 and as runner-up in the Big 12 Championship game. Georgia Tech ended its season at 9-3 with strong offensive numbers but defensive inconsistencies.
The Yellow Jackets’ balanced attack has averaged over 466 yards per game, while BYU’s complementary style has featured solid defense and steady offensive execution. Georgia Tech’s pursuit of a 10-win season and BYU’s bid to finish this year ranked in the top-10 in the final poll after the season add extra motivation for both sides.
Georgia Tech’s offense is built around dual-threat quarterback Haynes King, who provides a dynamic play-making element with his arm and legs. King’s ability to extend plays and score on the ground makes him a constant threat against BYU’s defense.
BYU’s offensive focus is led by freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who has led a balanced attack but will face pressure to generate sustained drives without his top running back. BYU’s backfield will be tested, as standout running back LJ Martin is out for the bowl game after undergoing shoulder surgery, a significant loss given his production throughout the season.
Score Projection: Georgia Tech 28 – BYU 35
Win Probability: Georgia Tech 43%, BYU 57%
This is going to be one of the better bowl games of the year as long as all of the key players who are healthy take part in it. I'll go with BYU to win and cover the spread, as their only losses this season came to a top-five team in the country in Texas Tech. Look for Bachmeier to impress in his first collegiate bowl game and for the Cougars to end their year with 12 wins.
Jay Sanin is the GM and Head of Sports at ATS.io. He has been writing about sports gambling since 2013, handicapping tens of thousands of sporting events. He plays sides and totals aggressively across most sports and is more selective in player prop markets. He does his own modeling across most sports, and his family is jealous of how much time he spends on his precious spreadsheets.
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