(NOTE - LJ Martin has been declared out for this game after this show was recorded)
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and BYU Cougars collide in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, each with unfinished business and hungry to rewrite their postseason narrative. Can Haynes King’s dynamic legs propel Georgia Tech past a stout BYU defense, or will LJ Martin’s bruising style continue his breakout season as the Cougars chase a statement 12th win? With the Yellow Jackets’ season derailed late and the Cougars coming up just short of a College Football Playoff bid, both squads enter the matchup with pride, legacy, and program momentum on the line.
Jarvis Davis and Jake Hatch spotlight the high stakes and emotional undercurrents shaping this bowl game. They break down the critical impact of quarterback play, as Haynes King’s dual-threat ability faces off with BYU’s freshman sensation, Bear Bachmeier—nicknamed a “Centaur” for his physical presence and poise under pressure. Georgia Tech’s offense is in flux, with new play-caller Chris Weinke taking over after Buster Faulkner’s dramatic departure and questions swirling around the distribution of carries between explosive underclassman Malachi Hosley and veteran Jamal Haynes. For BYU, it’s all about continuing the balanced attack that has defined their season and seeing if Martin can overcome a nagging shoulder injury to dominate one last time.
The conversation digs into defensive strategies, with both coaches—Brent Key and Kalani Sitake—emphasizing the importance of winning the line of scrimmage and forcing turnovers. BYU’s defensive leaders, like Jack Kelly and Isaiah Glasker, look to finish strong, while Georgia Tech’s Jordan Vandenberg anchors a unit trying to rebound from inconsistency and heavy yardage surrendered late in the season. The hosts also reflect on what bowl games mean in the modern era, as college football’s playoff expansion has shifted priorities but left room for traditions, team bonding, and pageantry. Will Georgia Tech’s culture-driven approach and underdog mentality prevail, or will BYU’s veteran leadership and explosive ground game seize the spotlight?
Don’t miss as Jarvis Davis and Jake Hatch debate X-factors, key matchups, and the sweetest potential celebration: which iconic Pop-Tarts flavor is worthy of a championship toast?
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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.
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