BYU freshman Bear Bachmeier celebrated a historic milestone with a mouthful of Pop-Tarts on Saturday night in Orlando, Florida. The 19-year-old just completed the Cougars ' first 12-win season in 24 years.
Bachmeier also joined Jim McMahon, Robbie Bosco, Steve Sarkisian and Brandon Doman as the only BYU quarterbacks with a 12-win season, but there is one glaring difference — those legendary predecessors were seniors when they did it, and Bachmeier is just a year removed from high school.
"I knew coming in that it was a great team, and I knew we could do something special, but I never expected this. I'm just so grateful to be here. I love this university and I love these guys."
"I knew coming in that it was a great team, and I knew we could do something special, but I never expected this," said Bachmeier. "I'm just so grateful to be here. I love this university and I love these guys."
It took all of "his" guys, on both sides of the ball, for No. 12 BYU to edge No. 22 Georgia Tech 25-21 Saturday. Here are the three key plays that made it happen.
Leading 21-10 in the third quarter, Georgia Tech marched to the BYU 18-yard line and lined up for a field goal to extend its advantage. Aiden Birr, the best kicker in the ACC with a nation-leading 25 field goals prepared to pad his .893 success rate.
The snap was crisp and the hold clean, but Birr's ball banged into the big paw of BYU defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa and the blocked kick sent the pigskin flailing off target.
"I'm blessed that the coaches have a strategic plan," said the Utah transfer. "They put us in place, and I'm blessed to play next to JT (John Taumoepeau). He's a dawg. He has great leverage. Great knock-back. He's relentless. We just wanted it more than anything else."
Tanuvasa's big play brought BYU's portion of the stadium to life and restored belief that the Cougars sixth comeback win of the season was possible.
Seizing on the momentum, Bachmeier drove the Cougars 80 yards in 11 plays and Enoch Nawahine's first touchdown run of the season cut the Yellow Jackets ' lead to 21-16 with 11:13 to play in the fourth quarter.
On the ensuing two-point conversion try, Bachmeier, playing on a sprained ankle that he re-aggravated on the game's opening drive, scrambled out of the pocket and bull-dozed a defender on his way over the goal line.
"It's just grit. You see it all over the field," said tight end Carsen Ryan , who caught a career-high eight passes for 120 yards. "Bear has a sprained ankle and he's running over dudes to get that two-point conversion. Without that, we probably lose the game."
Bachmeier wasn't the only who winced when he turned the same ankle he injured early in the Big 12 championship game on Dec. 6. BYU was already playing without LJ Martin , the Big 12's Offensive Player of the Year, and the idea of outscoring Georgia Tech with a one-legged quarterback had Cougar Nation anxious.
"It was a rough one," Bachmeier said of the injury at the 9:56 mark of the first quarter. "I just kept telling myself — 55 minutes, 54 minutes, 50 minutes and we are going to be happy at the end. Pain is temporary, so just push through. There is nothing that was going to take me out of that game."
With his ankle limiting him to the pocket, Bachmeier used him arm to throw for 325 yards and a touchdown to earn the game's MVP award.
In his final game as Georgia Tech's decorated quarterback, Haynes King looked over the BYU defense on fourth and 10 at the Cougars' 18-yard line with 14 seconds remaining. The Yellow Jackets needed a touchdown to win the game.
Despite their constant attempts, BYU's defense hadn't sacked King the entire game. On the snap, the Cougars brought pressure and King moved to his right. The fifth-year senior unloaded his pass to the end zone just before getting hit.
"I was reading the quarterback's eyes," said BYU's cornerback Evan Johnson . "When I saw that ball go up, I had to go get it."
Johnson stepped in front of Jamal Haynes and grabbed his fifth interception of the season to seal the win. The play was especially sweet for the junior, who earlier in the drive gave up a 68-yard bomb on fourth and 15 to keep Georgia Tech's hopes alive.
"It took some toughness. Those plays hurt. As a corner, that's going to happen, so it's just your mindset on how you are going to bounce back," Johnson said. "God gave me a challenge and I overcame it."
Isaiah Glasker 'sfumble recovery on Georgia Tech's first possession of the second half cost the Yellow Jackets a scoring opportunity. Facing third and goal at the 11, King tossed the ball to Jordan Allen . In BYU's topsy-turvy effort to tackle him, Nusi Taumoepeau knocked the ball lose with his foot. A mad scramble ensued and the ball squirted all the way back to the 31 before Glasker jumped on it for the Cougars.
Tanner Wall'ssolo tackle with 6:24 to play in the fourth quarter didn't get a headline, but it did force a Georgia Tech punt. BYU had the Yellow Jackets pinned back at their 12-yard line, but on third and seven, Haynes broke free on a run play and had a lot of Orlando grass in front of him before a diving Wall brought him down one yard shy of the first down. After a Georgia Tech punt, the Cougars scored the winning touchdown on the ensuing drive.
With Martin and Sione Moa out with injuries, BYU turned to the rarely used Enoch Nawahineand Jovesa Damunito run the ball. Together, they combined for 80 yards and both scored their first touchdowns of the season — BYU's only touchdowns in their second-half comeback.
In truth, Bachmeier needed all "his guys" to pull off the win and finish the kind of season no one saw coming. As a result, the Cougars should be on everyone's radar for 2026.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts "Y's Guys" at ysguys.com and is the author of the children's book "C is for Cougar," available at deseretbook.com.
