BYU football is officially your Pop-Tarts Bowl Champion! On today’s episode of Locked On Cougars, Jake Hatch breaks down a gritty, gutsy, and frankly improbable 25-21 comeback victory for the Cougars over Georgia Tech in Orlando. In a game defined by "next man up" mentality, BYU showed the nation why they were a top-15 program all season long, finishing the year on the highest of notes.
Bear Bachmeier: The Ultimate Competitor
The headline of the night was quarterback Bear Bachmeier. We knew he wasn't 100% coming into this matchup, but the true freshman displayed veteran toughness. Despite limited mobility and a visible limp, Bachmeier’s ability to manage the game and make winning throws in the second half proved he is the undisputed future of this offense. We discuss his toughness and what this performance means for the 2026 QB room.
The "Backup" Backfield Extravaganza
Disaster struck early when star running back LJ Martin went down with an injury, but the depth of the BYU roster saved the day. Enoch Nawahine and Jovesa Damuni weren't just "replacements"; they were catalysts. Nawahine provided the bruising, between-the-tackles runs that wore down the Yellow Jackets' front, while Damuni’s explosive speed in relief provided the spark BYU desperately needed in the third quarter. We analyze how Aaron Roderick adjusted the scheme to fit these two dynamic playmakers.
Jay Hill’s Final Stand & Evan Johnson’s Clutch Pick
The second half belonged to the BYU defense. With rumors swirling that this may be Defensive Coordinator Jay Hill’s final game in Provo before taking a head coaching job, his unit played like their hair was on fire. After a shaky first half, Hill’s adjustments completely neutralized Georgia Tech’s rushing attack when it mattered most.
The game reached a fever pitch in the final minute with Georgia Tech deep in the red zone, threatening to steal the victory. On a decisive fourth down, with the game on the line, Evan Johnson etched his name into BYU lore. Johnson read the play perfectly, jumping the route for a game-sealing interception that clinched the 25-21 win for the Cougars. If this was Jay Hill’s swan song, Evan Johnson provided the perfect exclamation point.
Looking Ahead
We wrap up the show by looking at what this 12th win means for BYU’s final ranking and the momentum heading into the offseason. This wasn't just a bowl win; it was a statement about the culture Kalani Sitake has built.
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!
Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!
Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.
If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at [email protected].
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.