BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
Jovesa Damuni powered into the end zone on a 4-yard run with two minutes remaining to complete a second-half rally as No. 12 BYU erased an 11-point deficit and defeated No. 24 Georgia Tech 25–21 on Saturday in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Damuni’s go-ahead score finished a methodical nine-play, 70-yard drive that showcased the poise of freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who delivered several key throws under pressure to keep the Cougars moving. Bachmeier accounted for 57 passing yards on the decisive march, steadying BYU’s offense as the clock wound down and the stakes rose.
The Cougars closed the season 12–2, reaching the 12-win mark for the first time since 2001, while adding another bowl victory to cap a resurgent year. Bachmeier played a central role throughout the afternoon, completing 27 of 38 passes for 325 yards, one touchdown and one interception. It marked his third 300-yard passing performance of the season and highlighted his rapid development in his first year as BYU’s starter. The Cougars finished with 426 total yards of offense, repeatedly testing Georgia Tech’s defense through the air.
Georgia Tech fell to 9–4 but nearly pulled out the win in a dramatic final minute. Senior quarterback Haynes King kept the Yellow Jackets alive with a remarkable 66-yard completion to Eric Rivers down the right sideline on fourth-and-15, advancing the ball to the BYU 18-yard line with 35 seconds remaining. With one last chance to tie the game, King targeted Jamal Haynes in the end zone on fourth down, but BYU defensive back Evan Johnson stepped in front of the pass and secured the interception, sealing the Cougars’ victory.
King finished his final collegiate game completing 23 of 41 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns and the decisive interception. Despite the late heartbreak, he delivered a performance that underscored his importance to Georgia Tech’s offensive revival over the past three seasons.
The Yellow Jackets built their second-half lead thanks in part to a stunning 10-second sequence late in the first half. King connected with Rivers for a touchdown pass with 5:28 remaining to give Georgia Tech a 14–10 advantage. On the ensuing kickoff, BYU’s Cody Hagen muffed the return, and the Yellow Jackets recovered. One play later, King struck again, finding tight end J.T. Byrne for a short touchdown pass to push the lead to 21–10.
BYU gradually chipped away after halftime, leaning on Bachmeier’s accuracy and a defense that tightened at critical moments. The game was marked by missed opportunities near the goal line for both teams. BYU was stopped inches short on a fourth-and-one attempt on its opening drive and later threw an interception in the end zone during the third quarter. Georgia Tech also struggled to convert red zone chances, finishing just 3-for-6 inside the 20. A fumble following a short completion at the BYU 11-yard line halted one promising drive, and a 35-yard field goal attempt by Aiden Birr late in the third quarter was blocked.
Beyond the bowl result, the game carried historical significance for King. A completion late in the second quarter allowed him to surpass Reggie Ball as Georgia Tech’s career leader in completions, finishing with 676 over three seasons. King also became just the second player in program history to surpass 10,000 total yards of offense, joining Joe Hamilton. He concluded his college career with 10,184 total yards, cementing his place among the most productive players the Yellow Jackets have ever had.
The loss closed a season of progress and frustration for Georgia Tech under head coach Brent Key. After showing signs of a breakthrough year, the Yellow Jackets dropped their final three games, falling short of the ACC championship game and the College Football Playoff.
For BYU, the comeback win provided a fitting end to a standout season, reinforcing the program’s momentum and offering a glimpse of a promising future led by a confident young quarterback and a resilient roster that proved capable of responding when the pressure was greatest.
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