BYU football is officially back.

The No. 12 Cougars capped their season with a victory over No. 22 Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday, finishing 12-2 for their first 12-win season since 2001. Head coach Kalani Sitake got the signature Pop-Tarts and Gatorade shower, and Provo is celebrating like it's Y2K all over again.

The Quick Hit

• Final score: BYU over Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl
• BYU's record: 12-2, their first 12-win season since 2001
• The star: QB Bear Bachmeier went 27-38 for 325 yards and a TD
• The celebration: Kalani Sitake got the Pop-Tarts shower he deserved

No Opt-Outs, Just Opt-Ins

In an era where star players regularly skip bowl games to protect their NFL draft stock, both BYU and Georgia Tech bucked the trend. Neither team had significant opt-outs. Both coaches brought their full rosters to Orlando.

That's what made this game special. Two ranked teams. Full strength. Playing for pride and bragging rights in a bowl game that has become must-see TV purely because of its ridiculous branding.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl delivered exactly what we wanted: competitive football between two programs that actually cared about winning.

Bear Bachmeier Played His Ass Off

BYU's quarterback was the difference. Bear Bachmeier completed 27 of 38 passes for 325 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He managed the game when he needed to and made big throws when the moment called for it.

Bachmeier transferred to BYU after stops at Boise State and Montana State. This season has been his redemption arc — proving he can play at the highest level of college football when given the right opportunity.

The 71% completion rate tells the story. Bachmeier was efficient, accurate, and in control all game long.

The Defense Made Plays When It Mattered

BYU's defense came up with a crucial interception that helped swing momentum. Georgia Tech moved the ball at times, but the Cougars were able to get stops when they needed them most.

Jovesa Damuni, a redshirt freshman running back, punched in his first career touchdown to cap a key drive. It was one of those moments that bowl games are made for — a young player stepping up on the biggest stage of his career.

What This Means for BYU

Twelve wins. A top-15 finish. A statement bowl victory over a ranked ACC opponent.

This is the program Kalani Sitake has been building toward. BYU's move to the Big 12 has been a success, and this season proves they can compete with anyone in the conference.

The future is bright in Provo. The recruiting momentum from a 12-win season will carry into next year. And Sitake has now gone 5-2 in bowl games as BYU's head coach.

What About Georgia Tech?

The Yellow Jackets finished 9-4, which is still a successful season by recent Georgia Tech standards. Brent Key has this program moving in the right direction.

But blowing the Pop-Tarts Bowl stings. Georgia Tech was competitive throughout but couldn't close. The loss drops them out of the AP Top 25 conversation and leaves a bitter taste heading into the offseason.

The Betting Angle

BYU closed as a favorite, and they covered. The sharps were on the Cougars, citing their superior quarterback play and defensive consistency. Georgia Tech's opt-ins were nice, but BYU's roster was simply more complete.

Those who trusted BYU all season were rewarded one more time.

The Bottom Line

BYU's 12-win season is a reminder that college football is at its best when programs commit to excellence. No shortcuts. No opt-outs. Just a team playing together for one more game.

Kalani Sitake has built something special in Provo, and this Pop-Tarts Bowl victory is the cherry on top. Or should we say... the frosting.

12-2. First 12-win season since 2001. BYU football is officially back.