BYU football: Cougars painted a defensive masterpiece in second half of 25-21 Pop-Tarts Bowl win
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BYU football: Cougars painted a defensive masterpiece in second half of 25-21 Pop-Tarts Bowl win
BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) is lifted onto teammate's shoulders after making an interception to seal the win for the Cougars 25-21 over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Jay Drew·Deseret News
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17 min read
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Barring a last-minute change of heart, it appears that BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill will joinformer Utah coach Kyle Whittingham's new staffatMichiganafter three years of building the Cougars' defense into one of the best in the Big 12.
If those reports are true — andthere's no reason to believe they aren't— BYU fans will always have the memory of what Hill's defense was able to do in the second half of Saturday's 25-21 win over No. 22Georgia Techin the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
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Bolstered by 20,000 or so BYU fans in attendance at Camping World Stadium (overall announced attendance was just over 34,000), theCougars pitched a shutout in the second halfafter trailing 21-10 at the break.
As a finishing touch that seemingly came right out of a movie script, BYU cornerbackEvan Johnsonpicked off a pass in the end zone to seal the win after having given up a 66-yard bomb to Tech'sEric Rivers— by way of all-ACC quarterbackHaynes King— four plays earlier.
"Got beat. That happens at corner," said the son offormer NFL receiver Ron Johnson. "But I was really just thinking about the next play after that. … I got my opportunity to go make a play. Had a play like that at Texas Tech that I didn't go get. So my only thought in my mind at that moment was to go get that ball, and that is what I did."
Both plays that will go down in BYU bowl lore — Rivers' catch came on fourth-and-15 from the Tech 17-yard line — were on fourth down. How did head coach Kalani Sitake view the bomb that almost ruined BYU's bid to get to 12 wins for the first time since 2001?
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"Obviously, we weren't excited about it, but Haynes King is a really good player," Sitake said of the 66-yarder. "I felt like, OK, tough spot, but Evan made the tackle (to stop Rivers from scoring). It is hard to run away from this kid. He made the tackle, and we still had a chance."
With BYU playing without theheart and soul of its defense— linebacker Jack Kelly — the Cougars looked a bit lost in the first half, and it appeared as if news of Hill's pending departure was somehow distracting the Cougars. They just didn't look like themselves, with missed tackles and blown coverages galore.
Hill and cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford tried Jayden Dunlap, Tre Alexander, Tayvion Beasley,Mory Bambaand Jonathan Kabeya at the corner opposite Johnson, or at nickel, with limited success.
Georgia Tech had 198 yards in the first half, and was gifted a touchdown on another possession when BYU coughed up a kickoff return at the 5. Johnson says the group never lost hope.
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"Really, no adjustments were made," he said. "We came out (of halftime) with a lot more physicality, a lot more just want-to. We knew our offense was hot, too, so just getting them the ball was our plan, and we made that happen."
BYU Cougars running back Enoch Nawahine (21) hurdles Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back Omar Daniels (9) as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) hands the ball off to BYU Cougars running back Enoch Nawahine (21) as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A BYU cheerleader carries the Y flag after a Cougar score as the BYU Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) eyes BYU Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) in the open as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) is tackled by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Kyle Efford (44) along the sideline after making a catch as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) makes a catch as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) looks at the defense as he runs the sideline after making a catch as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King (10) passes as BYU Cougars defensive end Viliami Po'Uha (45) tries to deflect the ball as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) and BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) celebrate after a touchdown as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars watch a replay after a Cougar fumble as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A fan holds a sign as the BYU Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars punter Sam Vander Haar (35) sends a punt on its way as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Eric Rivers (3) isn't able to make catch with BYU Cougars defensive end Nusi Taumoepeau (5) as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key questions a call as they and the BYU Cougars play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars defensive back Kevin Doe (31) tries to bring Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Shane Marshall (24) down on a run as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, argues a call as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars running back Jovesa Damuni (28) is smashed by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Kyle Efford (44) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back Tae Harris (27) and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets cornerback Jon Mitchell (29) as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars running back Enoch Nawahine (21) finds an opening in the line as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars running back Jovesa Damuni (28) is hit by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Kyle Efford (44) as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The Goodyear Blimp flies over the Pop-Tarts Bowl as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) scores a touchdown as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, finished jamming a Pop-Tart into his mouth as the Cougars celebrate the win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougar fans gather on the edge of the railing after the game after the Cougars defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 25-21 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) celebrates his game saving interception in the endzone with teammates giving the Cougars the 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) intercepts a pass to Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Jamal Haynes (1) in the endzone sealing the 25-21 win for the Cougars in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, jams a Pop-Tart into his mouth as the Cougars celebrate the win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) celebrates his game saving interception in the endzone giving the Cougars the 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) intercepts a pass to Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Jamal Haynes (1) in the endzone sealing the 25-21 win for the Cougars in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) celebrates his game saving interception in the endzone with teammates giving the Cougars the 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, and his players celebrate after the Cougars defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars fans cheer as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) is shoved out of bounds short of the goalline by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defenders as they play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Dean Patterson (11) isn't able to make the catch in the endzone as BYU Cougars linebacker Miles Hall (21) falls down as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho (61) lifts the trophy after the win as the Cougars defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 25-21 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars linebacker Siale Esera (54) signs autographs for fans after the game after the Cougars defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 25-21 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) hands the ball off to BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars players celebrate as the Cougars celebrate their 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) holds a Team Sprinkles sign as BYU Cougars celebrate their 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) takes a bite of a Pop-Tart as the BYU Cougars celebrate their 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) holds the MVP trophy up as the BYU Cougars celebrate their 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) is lifted onto teammate's shoulders after making an interception to seal the win for the Cougars 25-21 over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, waves his hat toward fans as he leaves the field after the Cougars 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, waves his hat toward fans as he leaves the field after the Cougars 25-21 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) is lifted onto teammate's shoulders after making an interception to seal the win for the Cougars 25-21 over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU players run onto the field for warmups as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets prepare to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU fans watch as as the Cougars prepare to play the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key talk at midfield as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets prepare to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key talk at midfield as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets prepare to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks to pass as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets warm up prior to playing in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A young BYU fan holds up a sign as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets prepare to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) stretches his arm as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets warm up prior to playing in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Cole Hagen (17) warms up as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets prepare to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Fans pose for a photo as they anticipate the game between the BYU Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Fans cheer at the broadcast camera as they anticipate the game between the BYU Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU players warm up as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets prepare to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars fans just sit and watch after a fumble as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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BYU Cougars running back Enoch Nawahine (21) jumps over a defender during a run as the Cougars and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) battles to get free as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes the ball as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The Y flag is carried after a score as the Cougars and the Yellow Jackets play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Sitake said the call went out to be more physical, but to also be more fundamentally sound. He said guys were trying to do too much.
"We said it is going to hurt a little bit and it is going to require you guys getting to the point of exhaustion," Sitake said. "You guys saw (Bear Bachmeier) limping in there. It wasn't like he was playing 100 percent. … I was really proud of the way these guys played and the way that Bear led the offense. It was really fun to watch."
Freshman linebacker Nusi Taumoepeau got his first start, in Kelly's spot, and forced a fumble, inadvertently kicking the ball out of a receiver's hands after a catch. Isaiah Glasker recovered it.
Taumoepeau, Glasker and sophomore safety Faletau Satuala led the Cougars with six tackles apiece, and senior safety Tanner Wall added five in the final game of a remarkable career that began as a walk-on receiver. Taumoepeau and Tausili Akana put a lot of pressure on King to force the veteran QB to hurry his throws after Rivers' big catch.
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"I just liked the reaction we had to the game overall," Sitake said. "We weren't hanging our heads when we went down two scores."
It wasBYU's 12th straight winwhen allowing 24 points or fewer, and improved the program's bowl record to 19-22-1. Sitake is now 6-2 in bowl games, with close losses to Hawaii and UAB in that stretch and wins over Power Four teams SMU, Colorado and Georgia Tech.
It was also BYU's sixth come-from-behind win of the season. Five of those — Colorado, Arizona, Iowa State, UCF and Georgia Tech — came after BYU trailed by double digits.
"We've got a lot of love for each other, got a lot of love for our coaches and for our fans, and for our program," Wall said. "There are a lot of things that can't be measured in statistics, the kind of intangible things that just make us who we are, and it shows in the way that we find ways to win games all the time."
