Georgia Tech will take on No. 12 BYU in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on December 27 in Orlando. This matchup features an underdog Yellow Jackets team going up against a highly-ranked Cougar squad that narrowly missed the College Football Playoff. The December 27 kickoff at Camping World Stadium sets up an intriguing bowl contest on ABC.
🔥 Quick Facts
- BYU enters ranked #12 in the College Football Playoff rankings with an 11-2 record
- Georgia Tech is #22 in the CFP rankings and heads to bowl games for the third straight year under Brent Key
- Kickoff is December 27 at 3:30 PM ET at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on ABC
- BYU is the second team out of the College Football Playoff after losing to No. 4 Texas Tech twice this season
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The No. 12-ranked Cougars bring high expectations into this bowl game after a disappointing loss in the Big 12 Championship game to Texas Tech. BYU’s 11-2 record and strength of schedule should have positioned them for playoff consideration, but missing the eight-team field leaves them hungry to prove their worth against Georgia Tech.
Both of BYU’s losses came to the same opponent: the Red Raiders. The Cougars will look to channel their frustration into a dominant performance on December 27. This bowl game becomes their chance to finish the season strong and validate their No. 12 ranking.
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Under head coach Brent Key, Georgia Tech has made the bowl game three consecutive years, though their recent bowl performance stands at 1-1. The Yellow Jackets earned bowl eligibility this season and will arrive in Orlando with momentum from securing six wins during the regular season.
Georgia Tech’s bid to make the playoffs fell short, landing them at #22 in the final projections. Still, the Yellow Jackets represent a respectable opponent for a BYU team seeking strong postseason momentum. This bowl appearance marks another step in rebuilding the Georgia Tech program.
Series History Favors the Cougars
| Matchup Factor | BYU | Georgia Tech |
| Overall Record | 3-1 | 1-3 |
| Conference Affiliation | Big 12 | ACC |
| Current Ranking | #12 CFP | #22 CFP |
| Last Meeting | 2013 (BYU won) | |
These teams last faced each other in 2013, when BYU came out victorious. The Cougars have claimed three of the four all-time meetings dating back to 2002. Georgia Tech will look to snap their recent skid against BYU and earn a meaningful bowl win to build momentum for the 2026 season.
What Champions and Contenders Want on December 27
For BYU, this game represents a chance to salvage what turned into a disappointing conclusion to an otherwise strong season. The Cougars must overcome the frustration of being left out of the playoff and prove they belong among the nation’s elite.
Georgia Tech needs to show that consecutive bowl appearances demonstrate progress under Brent Key. A victory would give the program confidence heading into 2026 and validate the competitive improvements made throughout the season. Both teams will arrive in Orlando with clear motivations for a strong finish.
Will Georgia Tech Pull Off the Holiday Upset Against No. 12 BYU?
The Yellow Jackets enter as underdogs against a ranked Cougar squad seeking redemption. Georgia Tech will need strong execution, disciplined defense, and minimal mistakes to compete with BYU’s talent level. December 27 will reveal whether the Yellow Jackets can execute at bowl-game level against a ranked opponent.
BYU’s experience and ranking give them the advantage heading into Orlando. However, bowl games often serve as great equalizers where motivation and preparation overcome rankings. The December 27 matchup should provide an entertaining battle between two teams with very different stories heading into the game.
Sources
- Sports Illustrated – Bowl game announcement and team rankings
- Deseret News – BYU Cougars bowl selection details
- Vanquish the Foe – Game details and ranking information
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.