Had it not run into CFP quarterfinalist Texas Tech twice, BYU would be unbeaten SU. The Cougars were in contention for the playoffs until the finish line. Georgia Tech was in the race, too, but faded to close 1-3 outright. The Yellow Jackets enter without several injured and transferring players, whereas the Coogs kept nearly everyone onboard. Fiery QB Bear Bachmeier will make sure his teammates are engaged. Before Bachmeier showed up, they certainly took last year's bowl seriously in thrashing Colorado by 22 points.

Good news for Georgia Tech with word that sr. QB Haynes King has not opted out and will indeed play for the Yellow Jackets at the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando. King's availability is crucial for GT, but this underdog role has also been a very good one for the Ramblin' Wreck since Brent Key took over as HC early in the 2022 campaign. Getting points has definitely been Key's best role, 3-0 this season, five straight since late 2024, and now 17-6 as an underdog since replacing Geoff Collins three years ago. BYU is formidable but the non-conference slate hardly challenged, and the Cougars fell far short of Texas Tech in their two toughest tests of the season. Play Georgia Tech (Pop-Tarts Bowl at Orlando)