The Pop-Tarts Bowl has always embraced a quirky blend of fun and football, and this year’s pregame festivities delivered a moment that perfectly captured that spirit-just not in the way anyone expected. At the traditional coaches' meet-up, Georgia Tech’s Brent Key and BYU’s Kalani Sitake gathered for the annual Pop-Tarts toaster trophy ceremony.
The idea? Drop a couple of Pop-Tarts into a toaster-shaped trophy, let them pop, and pose for the cameras.
Simple enough.
Except, this time, the toaster didn’t pop. In fact, part of the trophy even broke off.
Key, clearly unfazed, played along with a laugh and suggested they just take the photo anyway. It was a lighthearted moment that reminded everyone why this bowl game stands out.
Sure, it’s not the College Football Playoff, but the Pop-Tarts Bowl has carved out a place in the postseason lineup thanks to its mix of creativity, tradition, and a genuine sense of fun. Even when the toaster doesn’t cooperate.
A Bowl Game with a Colorful Past
The Pop-Tarts Bowl, now in its 36th edition, has worn many hats over the years-Blockbuster Bowl, Champs Sports Bowl, Russell Athletic Bowl, Camping World Bowl, and most recently, the Cheez-It Bowl. But regardless of the name on the marquee, the game has consistently delivered quality matchups and memorable moments.
Originally launched in 1990 as a second bowl game in the Miami area, it eventually found a permanent home in Orlando at Camping World Stadium in 2001. Since then, it’s hosted some of the sport’s biggest names-Florida State, Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, Miami-and has become a reliable December destination for strong programs just outside the Playoff picture.
These days, the bowl features teams from the ACC and Big 12, and while it may not carry the same weight as the New Year’s Six, it’s a game that rarely disappoints.
Georgia Tech vs. BYU: A Physical Matchup Ahead
This year’s pairing brings together two programs that know how to grind. Georgia Tech, representing the ACC, comes in under the leadership of Brent Key, a coach who’s instilled a physical, no-nonsense identity in his squad. The Yellow Jackets are disciplined, tough up front, and play with a chip on their shoulder.
On the other side, BYU enters as the Big 12 representative, and Kalani Sitake’s group brings its own brand of toughness. The Cougars are built on strong fundamentals, and they don’t shy away from a fight. They’ve been tested all season in a deep Big 12, and they’ll be ready for a battle in Orlando.
Both teams lean on balanced offensive attacks and aggressive defenses. That sets the table for a game that could go down to the wire. With postseason bragging rights on the line, expect a hard-fought contest between two programs looking to close the year on a high note.
From Toaster Glitches to Game-Time Grit
Yes, the trophy toaster may have fizzled, but the energy surrounding the Pop-Tarts Bowl is anything but flat. This game continues to embrace its unique identity-equal parts tradition and personality-and that’s what makes it such a fan favorite.
Now, with the pregame laughs in the rearview, it’s time to focus on the football. Georgia Tech and BYU are set to square off in what promises to be one of the more entertaining matchups of bowl season. And if the game delivers the same kind of unpredictability as the toaster did, we’re in for quite a show.