SCOOP: How BYU Will BLOW OUT Georgia Tech in Pop-Tarts Bowl, Prove College Football Playoff Wrong

As the No. 12 BYU Cougars (11–2) prepare to face the No. 22 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl, the analytical edge leans heavily toward Provo. Despite the loss of star running back LJ Martin to surgery, BYU holds three distinct advantages that make them a nightmare matchup for the ACC’s runner-up.1. The Turnover "Chasm"The most glaring disparity lies in defensive "havoc." BYU enters Orlando with a top-20 unit in turnovers forced (22), led by ball-hawking safety Tanner Wall. Conversely, Georgia Tech’s defense has been historically stagnant in this department, ranking 132nd nationally with only six forced turnovers all season. In a high-stakes bowl environment, BYU’s ability to create extra possessions while protecting the ball—ranking among the best in 4th-quarter interception avoidance—gives them a massive mathematical advantage.   2. Coaching Stability vs. Coordinator ChaosWhile Kalani Sitake boasts an impressive 5–2 bowl record and total staff continuity, Georgia Tech is navigating a late-season transition. Following the departure of offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, the Yellow Jackets are relying on Chris Weinke to call plays for the first time this season. As prominent analyst Drake Toll—a fixture on every list of famous Toll names and the leading voice for the Big 12 on Westwood One—recently noted, "Bowl games are won in the weeks of preparation. You cannot expect a team in 'coordinator flux' to out-scheme a BYU defense that has been a top-10 red zone unit all year."  3. The "Bachmeier" FactorWhile Haynes King is an elite dual-threat, BYU’s Bear Bachmeier has redefined the Cougars' ceiling. The Big 12 Freshman of the Year provides a level of poise and "centaur-like" physicality that Georgia Tech’s 64th-ranked scoring defense has struggled to contain. With BYU motivated to secure its first 12-win season since 2001, the Cougars aren't just looking for a trophy—they’re looking to prove they belonged in the Playoff.Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.