DETROIT — It was a record-setting day at Ford Field on Thursday as the Toledo Rockets battled Pitt through six overtime periods, culminating in a 48-46 victory over the Panthers to win the GameAbove Sports Bowl in Detroit.
Wide receiver Junior Vandeross III earned game MVP honors as he led the Rockets (8-5) with 12 receptions for 194 yards and a score – a 67-yard bomb from quarterback Tucker Gleason in the second quarter. Vandeross also hauled in the final reception of the game to end things. Gleason finished 26-of-50 for 336 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
The six overtimes set a new FBS bowl game record just days removed from that record being set – five overtimes in the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve. The win marks coach Jason Candle’s 73rd victory with Toledo, tying him with Gary Pinkel as the program’s all-time leader. It is also Candle’s fifth season finishing with eight wins and his third bowl victory.
Running back Desmond Reid powered Pitt (7-6) with 32 carries for 165 yards and a score.
The Rockets controlled the game through the first half, leading 20-12 into the break. Pitt took control in the second half, jumping out to a 30-20 advantage early in the fourth. Toledo tied things up on a 51-yard field goal from Dylan Cunanan.
In the first overtime period, Pitt started things off as both teams scored touchdowns. The second frame saw both teams kick field goals before moving to the two-point conversion attempts.
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