BYU’s season didn’t end as planned. The Cougars were one win away from making the 2025 College Football Playoff. But BYU will play in one of our favorite bowl games, the Pop Tart Bowl.
Head coach Kalani Sitake didn’t waste time dwelling on what could have been. Fresh off the Big 12 Championship loss, he was already locked in on Georgia Tech and the December 28th showdown in Orlando.
“We’re really excited about the opportunity to play in this bowl game, the Pop-Tarts Bowl,” Sitake said during Monday’s press conference. The matchup carries personal significance – both Sitake and Georgia Tech’s Brent Key are coaching at their alma maters after starting as graduate assistants at their respective schools decades ago.
Orlando Homecoming
For Sitake, this bowl game is practically a family reunion. His wife hails from the Orlando area – a “Polk County girl” from Dundee who went to Haines City High. With in-laws scattered throughout central Florida, the Cougars’ coach expects plenty of familiar faces in the stands.
“It’s going to be warmer there than it is here in Provo, Utah,” Sitake quipped, already thinking about trading December snow for Florida sunshine.
The timing works perfectly for BYU’s travel plans. Spending Christmas in Orlando means two celebrations for the players – one before leaving Utah, another in the warm embrace of Florida hospitality.
Yellow Jackets Bring the Sting
Georgia Tech won’t roll over for the Cougars. Quarterback Haynes King leads a balanced attack that mirrors BYU’s offensive philosophy. King isn’t just throwing darts – he’s the team’s leading rusher, creating headaches for defensive coordinators.
“Georgia Tech’s not an easy team to play,” Sitake acknowledged. “They do a lot of things that would be difficult for us.”
Freshman quarterback Jake Retzlaff will get valuable reps against seasoned competition. After an impressive debut season running BYU’s offense, he’ll face his toughest test yet in King, who brings years of experience to the matchup.
Pop-Tart Politics
The bowl’s signature quirk emerged during questioning – favorite Pop-Tart flavors. Sitake couldn’t pick just one, rattling off strawberry, wildberry, brown sugar cinnamon, cherry, and cookies and cream before admitting his unconventional eating style.
“I have been known to stack Pop-Tarts on top of each other and take a bite,” he revealed, drawing laughs from reporters.
Both coaches prefer strawberry, setting up the most important statistical matchup of bowl season.
What’s Next: BYU opens as early 3-point favorites over Georgia Tech. The Cougars’ extra practices will focus on developing younger players while keeping seniors engaged for one final ride. With Alabama’s playoff elimination highlighting the chaos of college football’s postseason selection, BYU’s consolation prize in Orlando suddenly looks pretty appealing.
