In the BYU vs Georgia Tech game on December 27, 2025, BYU overcame a 21-10 halftime deficit to win 25-21. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier passed for 325 yards and a touchdown, while running backs Enoch Nawahine and Jovesa Damuni each scored a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. Georgia Tech’s offense had 401 yards but was held scoreless in the second half. BYU vs Georgia Tech is a college football matchup that took place on December 27, 2025, where BYU staged a fourth-quarter comeback to win 25-21 after trailing 21-10 at halftime.
The BYU vs Georgia Tech game on December 27, 2025, saw the Cougars stage a remarkable comeback victory, ultimately winning 25-21. This crucial win at Atlantic Coast Conference territory was a testament to BYU’s resilience after falling behind significantly in the first half. The game’s narrative shifted dramatically from Georgia Tech’s early dominance to BYU’s determined second-half resurgence, with key performances from players like quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running backs Enoch Nawahine and Jovesa Damuni. The final score of the BYU vs Georgia Tech game was 25-21 in favor of BYU.
Georgia Tech built a commanding lead in the first half behind efficient passing and running.
First Half: How Georgia Tech Built a 21-10 Lead
Georgia Tech established a strong position in the first half by scoring 21 points, taking a significant 21-10 lead into the locker room. Their offense found success through both the air and the ground. The scoring began with a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Georgia Tech running back Trelain Maddox at 0:20 in the first quarter, giving them an early lead. In the second quarter, quarterback Haynes King connected with wide receiver Eric Rivers for a 5-yard touchdown pass at 5:28, extending their advantage. Just over a minute later, at 5:15 in the second quarter, King found wide receiver J.T. Byrne for another 6-yard touchdown, putting Georgia Tech firmly in control. BYU managed to get on the scoreboard in the first quarter with a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bear Bachmeier to wide receiver Chase Roberts at 4:56. BYU kicker Will Ferrin also contributed with a 22-yard field goal at 9:49 in the second quarter, but it wasn’t enough to counter Georgia Tech’s consistent scoring. In the first half, Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King passed for 270 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception, while running back Malachi Hosley rushed for 63 yards on 11 attempts.
Despite the deficit, BYU made key adjustments at halftime that shifted the momentum.
Halftime Adjustments: What Changed for BYU?
BYU made crucial strategic and defensive adjustments at halftime that proved pivotal in their second-half success. While the exact details are internal, the impact was clear on the field. The defense tightened up, and the coaching staff likely emphasized better tackling and awareness, which is reflected in the play of players like defensive back Nusi Taumoepeau, who recorded 6 tackles and 1 forced fumble. These changes helped to stifle Georgia Tech’s explosive offense. BYU’s ability to force turnovers and limit big plays in the second half was a direct result of these halftime modifications. Georgia Tech, for their part, struggled with ball security, experiencing 2 fumbles with 1 lost, which can often be attributed to increased defensive pressure after halftime. This defensive resurgence was essential for setting up the comeback.
The adjustments paid off immediately in the third quarter, setting up the fourth-quarter surge.
Third Quarter: Both Teams Held Scoreless
The third quarter of the BYU vs Georgia Tech game was a defensive battle, with neither team managing to break the stalemate and score any points. This scoreless period was critical, as it prevented Georgia Tech from extending their lead and kept BYU within striking distance. Both teams experienced offensive struggles and costly turnovers, with each team committing 2 fumbles, losing 1 apiece. Penalties also played a role in stalling drives for both sides; Georgia Tech incurred 7 penalties for 49 yards, while BYU had 4 penalties for 49 yards. This defensive intensity and parity in the third quarter perfectly set the stage for a dramatic fourth-quarter finish, where BYU’s offense would finally find its rhythm.
With the score still 21-10 entering the fourth quarter, BYU’s offense came alive.
Fourth Quarter Comeback: How BYU Scored 15 Unanswered Points
BYU mounted a spectacular 15-point comeback in the fourth quarter to secure their 25-21 victory over Georgia Tech. The charge was led by their ground game and key offensive execution.
- Enoch Nawahine’s Rushing Touchdown: BYU running back Enoch Nawahine punched in a 2-yard touchdown at 11:13 in the fourth quarter, narrowing Georgia Tech’s lead to 21-16 after a missed extra point by BYU.
- Jovesa Damuni’s Go-Ahead Touchdown: The decisive score came at 2:00 in the fourth quarter when BYU running back Jovesa Damuni found the end zone on a 4-yard run, giving BYU the lead, 22-21.
- Will Ferrin’s Crucial Kick: Kicker Will Ferrin was instrumental, making a 22-yard field goal and also connecting on both extra points following the touchdowns, contributing to the final margin. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier finished the game with 325 passing yards and 1 touchdown, showing resilience after an interception. Wide receiver Carsen Ryan was a significant target, hauling in 8 receptions for 120 yards. BYU’s fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns from Enoch Nawahine and Jovesa Damuni sealed the comeback victory.
Examining the final statistics reveals how BYU controlled the game after halftime.
BYU vs Georgia Tech: Final Stat Comparison
| Statistic | BYU | Georgia Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Total Offensive Yards | 425 | 401 |
| Possession Time | 31:20 | 28:40 |
| Penalties | 4 for 49yd | 7 for 49yd |
| Fumbles | 2 (1 lost) | 2 (1 lost) |
| Passing Yards | 325 | 270 |
| Passing TDs | 1 | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 1 |
| Rushing Yards | 100 | 131 |
| Rushing TDs | 2 | 1 |
BYU ultimately outgained Georgia Tech in total offensive yards with 425 to Georgia Tech’s 401. While Georgia Tech held a slight edge in rushing yards, BYU’s effectiveness in the red zone with two rushing touchdowns in the crucial fourth quarter proved decisive. BYU’s possession time was also slightly longer, indicating they controlled the ball more in the second half. Both teams struggled with turnovers and penalties, but BYU managed to overcome these issues in the game’s critical moments. Who had more total yards? BYU had more total yards with 425 compared to Georgia Tech’s 401.
Individual player performances also tell the story of the game.
Key Player Performances in BYU vs Georgia Tech
Several standout performances defined the BYU vs Georgia Tech matchup, with critical contributions from both offenses and defenses.
- Carsen Ryan (BYU): The wide receiver was a key target for Bear Bachmeier, recording 8 receptions for 120 receiving yards.
- Chase Roberts (BYU): He opened BYU’s scoring with a 7-yard touchdown reception from Bear Bachmeier in the first quarter.
- Malik Rutherford (Georgia Tech): A bright spot for the Yellow Jackets’ offense, Rutherford had 8 receptions for 105 receiving yards.
- Malachi Hosley (Georgia Tech): The running back was a workhorse, rushing for 63 yards on 11 carries in the first half and contributing to Georgia Tech’s ground game.
- Nusi Taumoepeau (BYU): The defensive back made a significant impact in slowing down Georgia Tech’s offense in the second half, tallying 6 tackles and forcing 1 fumble.
- Omar Daniels (Georgia Tech): A solid contributor to Georgia Tech’s defense, he recorded 7 tackles throughout the game.
How did Carsen Ryan perform? Carsen Ryan was a top offensive performer for BYU, compiling 120 receiving yards on 8 receptions. What did Malik Rutherford do? Malik Rutherford led Georgia Tech receivers with 8 catches for 105 receiving yards. Who were the top performers in the game? Standout players included BYU’s Carsen Ryan and Nusi Taumoepeau, and Georgia Tech’s Malik Rutherford and Malachi Hosley.
This comeback win has significant implications for both teams.
Conclusion: What This Win Means for BYU and Georgia Tech
The BYU vs Georgia Tech game on December 27, 2025, concluded with a dramatic 25-21 victory for BYU, showcasing a remarkable second-half comeback. By overcoming a 21-10 halftime deficit, BYU demonstrated resilience and strategic execution, particularly in the fourth quarter where they scored 15 unanswered points. This win invigorates BYU’s season, potentially boosting team morale and strengthening their position in their conference standings. For Georgia Tech, the loss represents a significant setback, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities and an inability to close out a lead. The inability to score in the second half proved to be their undoing, underscoring areas for improvement. This game served as a prime example of how momentum shifts in college football and the importance of sustained performance throughout all four quarters.
FAQ
Q: What was the final score of the BYU vs Georgia Tech game?
A: BYU defeated Georgia Tech 25-21 on December 27, 2025.
Q: Who were the key players in BYU’s comeback win?
A: Quarterback Bear Bachmeier passed for 325 yards and a touchdown. Running backs Enoch Nawahine and Jovesa Damuni each scored a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Q: How did Georgia Tech lose after leading 21-10 at halftime?
A: Georgia Tech’s offense was held scoreless in the second half, managing only 401 total yards but failing to score. Meanwhile, BYU’s running backs scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to complete the comeback.
Q: What were the key plays in the fourth quarter?
A: Enoch Nawahine ran for a 2-yard touchdown at 11:13 of the fourth quarter to make it 21-16. Then Jovesa Damuni ran for a 4-yard touchdown at 2:00 to give BYU a 25-21 lead.
Q: How did BYU’s defense perform in the second half?
A: BYU’s defense, led by defensive back Nusi Taumoepeau who had 6 tackles and a forced fumble, shut out Georgia Tech in the second half and forced two fumbles.
