One of the more unique college football bowl games in the country has a special trophy that is interactive for those who win it.
Unfortunately, there appeared to be an issue with the device when the coaches of the two teams competing in the game tried activating it.
Down in Orlando, they’re preparing for the Pop-Tarts Bowl – a game that has captured the hearts of college football sickos since the popular toaster pastry brand took over sponsorship in 2023.
Part of the reason why it’s so beloved is the mascot (yes, a fuzzy Pop-Tart) and the willingness of teams to lean into the theme. But it’s also because the trophy is a giant toaster in the shape of a football.
Unfortunately, when BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key tried using the toaster, it didn’t want to work.
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and BYU Cougars will hope their teams perform better than the toaster, which stood proudly on a plinth at a press conference with a GE Appliances logo and a catchphrase that read, ‘Official Toaster of the Pop-Tarts Bowl.’
The Pop-Tarts Bowl has become one of the most beloved bowl games in college football with its whacky theming, its branded mascot and a trophy that’s an actual working toaster
But Georgia Tech coach Brent Key (L) and BYU head coach Kalani Sitake couldn’t get it to work
Unfortunately, after the two coaches put the requisite pastries in the toaster, they tried pressing down on the lever to activate the appliance.
But the pastries did not want to stay down. Time after time, as Sitake tried to get the thing to work, it didn’t budge.
Eventually, a staffer came over to try and get it to work, only to snap the lever off.
Immediately, Key turned to the gathered press and said, ‘Alright let’s take a picture’ – leading to laughs from the gallery.
Thankfully, fans were all re-assured by the official account of the bowl game, which posted to X, ‘Could you believe we just didn’t turn it on properly?! Can confirm it is now ready for game day!’
No. 12 BYU (11-2) takes on No. 22 Georgia Tech (9-3) on Saturday at 3:30pm.
The Yellow Jackets are hoping for their first 10-win season since 2014 while the Cougars aim for their first 12-win season since 2001.
