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Notre Dame Misses Out as Pop-Tarts Bowl Delivers Wild Holiday Fun

By sitting out bowl season, Notre Dame missed more than just a game- they skipped one of the most joyfully absurd celebrations college football has to offer.
John Stevenson·
IMAGE: Imagn Images

Saturday wasn’t just another bowl game-it was a full-blown celebration of chaos, creativity, and college football weirdness. The Pop-Tarts Bowl returned for its third installment, and as expected, it delivered the kind of spectacle that reminds us why bowl season is one of the most entertaining stretches in all of sports.

This year’s matchup featured BYU and Georgia Tech squaring off at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, and the game itself didn’t disappoint. BYU mounted a gutsy fourth-quarter comeback, scoring 15 unanswered points to pull off a 25-21 win. It was the kind of rally that encapsulates everything we love about bowl season-momentum swings, unexpected heroes, and a finish that kept fans glued to their seats.

But the Pop-Tarts Bowl isn’t just about what happens between the whistles. It’s about the pageantry, the personality, and yes, the pastries.

Let’s talk about what Notre Dame missed out on.

After being ranked No. 11 in the final College Football Playoff rankings-just one spot short of the 12-team field-the Fighting Irish opted out of bowl season altogether. That meant passing on a chance to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, a decision that might’ve made sense from a football standpoint, but certainly cost them a front-row seat to one of the most delightfully absurd events of the year.

Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua voiced his frustrations with the CFP process during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, but made it clear that the decision wasn’t about the bowl itself-he’s actually a fan of Pop-Tarts, especially the brown sugar flavor. Still, the Irish missed out on the chance to be part of one of the most entertaining spectacles in the sport.

Because this wasn’t just a football game. This was an event.

From the moment fans arrived, it was clear this wasn’t your typical postseason contest. BYU and Georgia Tech leaned into the theme, with both teams sporting sprinkle-adorned helmet decals that looked like they’d been dipped in frosting. The visuals were hilarious and oddly fitting-if you’re going to play in a game sponsored by toaster pastries, you might as well dress the part.

And then there were the mascots.

Yes, plural.

A new Pop-Tart mascot made its debut, and this one wasn’t just for show. This was a protein-packed, toaster-wielding, barbell-curling creation that looked like it had been training for this moment all year. With bulging biceps and a toaster barbell in hand, the mascot brought the energy-and probably a few confused looks from fans wondering if they’d accidentally walked into a cereal commercial.

The game also paid homage to Pop-Tarts past. Previous mascot flavors-like strawberry and cinnamon roll-were honored with a ring of recognition and Hall of Fame-worthy jackets. It was over-the-top in the best possible way, a nod to the kind of self-aware silliness that makes this bowl so unique.

Even the trophy got its moment. While it’s not new, the Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy remains one of the most charmingly bizarre prizes in college football. Coaches Kalani Sitake (BYU) and Brent Key (Georgia Tech) had a minor mishap with it during the pregame press tour, but rest assured, the Pop-Tarts were toastable and ready for the winner.

There were some hiccups, too-Georgia Tech had a bit of drama with its foil-wrapped entrance tarp, but the issue was quickly resolved, setting the stage for a memorable team runout. And while fans in attendance were treated to Pop-Tarts and Cheez-It-style concessions, we can only hope they had a strong stomach to handle the aftermath.

The Pop-Tarts even hit the grill in the fourth quarter, prompting some head-scratching commentary from the booth. But that’s kind of the point. This game isn’t just about who wins or loses-it’s about embracing the absurdity, having fun with the format, and giving players (and fans) a chance to end the season with something unforgettable.

So while Notre Dame sat this one out, BYU and Georgia Tech fully embraced the madness. And in doing so, they reminded us that bowl games, at their best, are more than just football-they’re celebrations of the sport’s personality, its traditions, and yes, its willingness to let a giant Pop-Tart mascot steal the show.

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