BYU Preps for Pop-Tarts Bowl with Eyes on 12th Win, Not Just the Future
While most students at BYU were wrapping up finals, the Cougars were deep in bowl prep mode inside the Indoor Practice Facility, laser-focused on what lies ahead: a showdown with Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, just 10 days away.
And make no mistake - this isn’t just a warm-up for spring ball or a developmental checkpoint. For this BYU team, it’s about chasing win No. 12 and finishing the season with a statement.
Bachmeier Getting Closer to Game-Ready
All eyes were on freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who was back on the field taking part in 11-on-11 drills. His left ankle - the one he sprained early in BYU’s Big 12 Championship loss to Texas Tech - was still taped up, but he looked comfortable moving through reps.
“Feeling good, feeling prepared, and the team is looking good,” Bachmeier said after practice. He’s been steadily ramping up his workload and while he didn’t give a specific percentage when asked about his health, he made it clear: he’s trending in the right direction.
Head coach Kalani Sitake confirmed Bachmeier’s been active in practice, though not quite full speed. “We still have a long time to get there,” Sitake said.
“But I like what I’ve seen. I thought he had a good practice today.”
That’s encouraging for a BYU offense that’s looking to bounce back after a rough conference title game. And while the long-term development of young players is always part of bowl season, Bachmeier made it clear the focus is squarely on Georgia Tech.
“We’re practicing for this game; we just have our minds on this game,” he said.
Bowl Stakes Are Real
The Cougars (11-2) face No. 22 Georgia Tech (9-3) on Dec. 27 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. It’s a matchup between two proud programs with deep bowl traditions - BYU will be making its 42nd bowl appearance, while Georgia Tech enters its 48th.
For BYU, this game isn’t just about finishing strong. It’s about etching their name into the program’s record books. A 12th win would mark the Cougars’ first 12-win season since 2001 - a milestone that’s been elusive for over two decades.
And while the College Football Playoff may be out of reach, that doesn’t mean the fire isn’t there. “We just like to have fun and play with our brothers on the field,” Bachmeier said. “We’re attacking practice to get that 12th win.”
No Major Opt-Outs, Health the Bigger Concern
One of the biggest hurdles for bowl prep in today’s college football landscape is managing opt-outs and transfer portal exits. But so far, BYU’s avoided major losses. Coordinators Jay Hill and Aaron Roderick said last week they weren’t aware of any key players opting out, and Sitake echoed that again on Wednesday.
“There’s still time between now and the game,” Sitake said. “But they’re practicing. I think the biggest issue is, can we get guys healthy and 100% by the time we get to the game?”
It’s a fair question. With players like Bachmeier still working back to full strength, the Cougars are balancing recovery with preparation.
But Sitake feels good about the trajectory. “Right now, I think we’re on a good path,” he said.
As for the few players who have entered the portal - including Dominique McKenzie, LaMason Waller, and Jake Griffin - Sitake kept it in perspective. “The biggest reason is playing time,” he said. “So we’ll just keep working with it and enjoying the practices and how much progress we’ve made since our last game.”
Sitake Reflects on Whittingham’s Legacy
Wednesday also gave Sitake a moment to reflect on a major change in the college football coaching landscape. Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham announced he’s stepping down after 21 seasons, and Sitake - who played and coached under Whittingham - didn’t hide his admiration.
“My reaction is just gratitude for everything that he’s done,” Sitake said. “He’s helped change the game of football, especially in the state.”
Sitake also voiced confidence in Morgan Scalley, who’s been named Whittingham’s successor. “Morgan’s been head-coach-in-waiting for a while, and this is his opportunity.
He’ll do great,” Sitake said. “We worked together for 10 years.
It’s a really good program, and they’re in good hands.”
The Bottom Line
BYU isn’t treating this bowl game like a consolation prize. They’re treating it like a chance to cap off a special season with a win that would carry weight well beyond December. The Cougars have a shot to hit 12 wins for the first time in 24 years, and they’re not taking that lightly.
From Bachmeier’s steady return to Sitake’s steady hand, this team is locked in. And come Dec. 27, they’ll get their shot to prove just how far they’ve come.