BYU Embracing Bowl Season with Eyes on the Future
Bowl season may not carry the same weight it once did in the ever-evolving world of college football, but don’t tell that to BYU.
While the national narrative around postseason games outside the College Football Playoff continues to shift - with top players sitting out and programs sometimes treating bowl bids as consolation prizes - the Cougars are taking a different approach. Head Coach Kalani Sitake and his staff have made it clear: this opportunity matters.
BYU is headed to Orlando to face Georgia Tech on December 27, and despite falling short of a playoff berth, the Cougars are treating the Pop-Tarts Bowl as a valuable step in their program’s progression.
A Missed Playoff, But Not a Missed Opportunity
Let’s be honest - BYU had its sights set higher. A 34-7 loss to Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship Game knocked them out of contention, with the CFP committee listing them as the second team left out of the 12-team playoff field.
That stings. But Sitake isn’t letting disappointment define the end of the season.
“We’ve got to be thankful for that opportunity and look forward to trying to do everything we can to get back to that game again next year,” Sitake said. “Part of that is being able to bowl prep and to develop our young guys and develop our depth.”
That’s a message that resonates. For programs like BYU, bowl season isn’t just about the game - it’s about the extra practices, the reps for younger players, and the chance to build momentum heading into spring and summer. It’s about setting the tone for what’s next.
Bear Bachmeier’s Status: All Signs Point to Go
Of course, one of the biggest questions surrounding BYU’s bowl prep is the health of freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier. After suffering an ankle injury in the Big 12 title game, Bachmeier has been spotted in a walking boot on his left foot - a sight that naturally raised concerns.
But Offensive Coordinator Aaron Roderick was quick to calm the waters.
“It’s not severe. He’s fine,” Roderick said. “It’s not anything anybody’s worried about…If we had a game today he could have gone out there and played.”
That’s about as reassuring as it gets. Bachmeier’s poised presence under center has been a stabilizing force for the Cougars this season, and having him available against Georgia Tech gives BYU a clear edge heading into the matchup.
No Opt-Outs (So Far) as BYU Leans In
In today’s college football landscape, it’s become common for draft-eligible players to sit out bowl games to avoid injury and protect their NFL futures. But according to Roderick, that’s not the vibe around BYU right now.
“I haven’t heard of any yet,” he said when asked if any players on the offensive side are planning to opt out. “As far as I know everybody is excited to play in this game.”
That includes standout running back LJ Martin, who’s coming off a season that raised his NFL stock in a big way. While nothing’s guaranteed until kickoff, the fact that the team is all-in on preparing for Georgia Tech speaks volumes about the culture Sitake and his staff have built.
“Put the Ball in the Parking Lot - We’ll Play”
There’s a certain grit to this BYU team - a willingness to compete no matter the venue, no matter the stakes. That’s something Roderick sees every day in practice.
“The vibe I’ve taken is that guys are excited to play,” he said. “These guys like football and they like to play, and we’ll show up and play anywhere.
Put the ball out there in the parking lot and we’ll come out there and play. That’s been this team’s mentality…Last year we were super excited to play Colorado (in the Alamo Bowl) and we’ll be excited to play this time against Georgia Tech.”
That’s the kind of energy that can carry a program through the postseason and into the offseason with real momentum. While the College Football Playoff may be the ultimate goal, BYU isn’t treating this bowl game as a consolation prize. It’s a proving ground, a developmental stage, and a chance to finish strong.
And if this team’s mentality is any indication, they’ll be ready to bring it - whether it’s in a stadium in Orlando or a parking lot back in Provo.