In a week filled with overtime thrillers, the Toledo Rockets and Pittsburgh Panthers saved the best for last. Their GameAbove Bowl showdown in Detroit needed a record-shattering six overtimes to determine a winner, with the Rockets ultimately prevailing 48-46 in a game that won’t soon be forgotten.
A Historic Week of Overtime Madness
Before Toledo and Pitt took the field on Thursday, this bowl season had already made history. Two days prior, South Florida outlasted San Jose State in five overtimes in the Hawaii Bowl, setting a new record for the longest bowl game. Just a day before that, Northern Illinois needed double overtime to top Fresno State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
But the Rockets and Panthers took it to another level. Their six overtime periods shattered the previous mark, capping a week of unbelievable finishes. It also marked the first season ever with multiple 6+ overtime games, after Georgia and Georgia Tech went to eight extra frames in November.
Gleason and Dugger’s Duel for the Ages
Toledo quarterback Tucker Gleason put on a show, accounting for a staggering five total touchdowns. He ran for an overtime score and threw for four more, willing his team to victory. But Pittsburgh’s Julian Dugger, making his college debut, nearly stole the show.
Dugger, a freshman thrown into the fire after injuries and a transfer left Pitt thin at quarterback, almost pulled off the upset. He ran for two overtime touchdowns and threw for two more scores, nearly matching Gleason blow for blow. But his final pass attempt fell incomplete, sending the Rockets spilling onto the field in exhausted elation.
A Game of Wild Swings and Missed Chances
The game featured no shortage of twists and turns. The teams traded pick-sixes in regulation, with a blocked extra point returned for two points providing a rare highlight. Pitt took a 30-20 lead on the strength of three Dugger-led scoring drives in the second half, but Toledo stormed back to force overtime.
In the extra frames, it looked like the Rockets had it won – twice. An apparent Dugger sack to end the game was overturned by a holding penalty, and his touchdown sneak that looked to be short was changed on review. But finally, mercifully, Dugger’s last heave fell incomplete, ending the marathon.
What It Means
For Toledo, it’s an unbelievable end to a season that featured several close calls. The Rockets’ last multi-OT game was a double OT win over Iowa State in 2015. They finish this year on a high note behind an all-time performance from Gleason.
Pitt, meanwhile, suffers a crushing loss to end the year. The Panthers started 7-0 but ended on a six-game slide, just the second FBS team ever to do that. Still, the future looks bright with Dugger’s promising debut. If he’s the quarterback of the future, Pitt has reason for optimism.
It’s an unbelievable feeling. So many ups and downs… But this team never quit. I’m so proud to be a Rocket.
– Toledo quarterback Tucker Gleason
In the end, this game will go down as an instant classic. A record-breaking performance on the heels of a historic week of bowl madness. With the excitement, drama and history made in Detroit, one thing is clear – it’s a great time to be a college football fan.
