Bear Bachmeier, BYU Rally in Fourth for Pop-Tarts Bowl Win-and a Bite of Glory
Wearing a T-shirt that read “The People’s National Champions” and a grin that said “mission accomplished,” BYU freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier didn’t just lead a comeback on the field Saturday night-he also presided over one of the most delightfully bizarre postgame celebrations in college football. In a game that mixed grit, late-game drama, and a healthy dose of sugary spectacle, BYU edged Georgia Tech 25-21 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
And yes, there was a giant toaster. And yes, a Pop-Tart mascot was ceremonially “sacrificed.” Kind of.
But before the pastry pageantry took center stage, BYU had to dig deep. Down 21-10 entering the fourth quarter, the Cougars turned to their freshman signal-caller, who played through an ankle injury and delivered in the clutch. Bachmeier led two long scoring drives in the final frame, first marching BYU 80 yards in 11 plays and finishing it off himself with a gutsy two-point conversion run, lowering his shoulder to get into the end zone.
Then, with just two minutes left, he engineered another drive-this time 70 yards over nine plays-to put BYU ahead for good. No LJ Martin, the Big 12’s Offensive Player of the Year?
No problem. Bachmeier stepped up in a big way, finishing 27-of-38 for 325 yards, a touchdown, and one interception.
After the game, Bachmeier summed it up simply: “I knew it was going to be a tough task coming back, but I’d do anything to play with these brothers. I’m so glad to get the win.”
The Cougars’ defense had one last stand to make, and it came with the game hanging in the balance. Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King-who earned ACC Offensive Player of the Year honors this season-nearly authored a miracle of his own. On a fourth down from his own 16, King hit Eric Rivers on a 66-yard bomb to put the Yellow Jackets in striking distance.
But after three straight incompletions, King went back to the air-and back to Rivers. This time, BYU defensive back Evan Johnson, who’d been beaten on that earlier deep shot, got the last word. He stepped in front of the pass and picked it off in the end zone, sealing the win for the Cougars.
Cue the chaos.
As part of the now-trademark Pop-Tarts Bowl tradition, the winning team was treated to a postgame celebration unlike any other in college football. A giant toaster descended.
Mascots representing various Pop-Tart flavors-Team Sprinkles, to be exact-lined up for their fate. Bachmeier, as MVP, made the call.
Slammin’ Strawberry, Frosted Cherry, and Frosted Cookies & Creme were all on the chopping block.
Only Slammin’ Strawberry wasn’t going down without a fight. In a dramatic twist, the mascot made a break for it, leaping off the toaster in a full-on sprint for survival. Frosted Cookies & Creme, on the other hand, met its destiny-only to be devoured moments later by BYU head coach Kalani Sitake.
The 50-year-old former Bengals fullback didn’t hold back.
“I’ve got about eight pounds I’ve got to gain before I get to my New Year’s resolution,” Sitake joked, grinning with frosting still on his face.
It was a fitting end to a game that had everything-momentum swings, resilient quarterback play, and a finish straight out of a movie script. BYU closed the season at 12-2, notching their third come-from-behind win of the year and sending a clear message about the program's direction under Sitake.
Georgia Tech, who finishes 9-4, had its moments. King showed why he was one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country this season, and Rivers made a clutch play late. But the Yellow Jackets couldn’t capitalize in the red zone when it mattered most.
Around the edges of the game, the Pop-Tarts Bowl leaned all the way into its whimsical identity. Fans were treated to deep-fried Pop-Tart creations-Strawberry, Brown Sugar Cinnamon, and S’mores-alongside nachos, trifles, and hot-fudge waffle cone sundaes. Even Georgia Tech’s band got in on the fun, sporting Pop-Tart-themed trombone slide covers.
The bowl game, which began as the Blockbuster Bowl back in 1990, has gone through a carousel of sponsors over the decades before fully embracing its pastry-powered branding in 2023. Since then, it’s become something of a cult classic. From Frosted Strawberry’s emotional farewell in 2023 to Cinnamon Roll’s dance party in 2024, the Pop-Tarts Bowl has found a way to blend college football tradition with a sense of humor-and a lot of sugar.
This year, the twist was that two mascots were set to be “sacrificed.” But in the end, Slammin’ Strawberry escaped, living to fight another day. Or at least, another bowl season.
As for BYU, they’ll head into the offseason with momentum, a rising star at quarterback, and a bowl trophy that tastes as sweet as it looks.