The 2024 GameAbove Sports™ Bowl was held on December 26, 2024, at Ford Field and featured a matchup between the Pitt Panthers and the Toledo Rockets.
The Toledo Rockets entered the bowl game under ninth year head coach Jason Candle after finishing the 2024 regular season 7-5, their 15th consecutive season without a losing record which stands as the third-longest streak among FBS schools. The Rockets were looking for their 12th bowl victory in their 22nd all-time bowl appearance.
The Pitt Panthers made their way to Ford Field for their 38th all-time bowl game, looking for their 16th bowl win in program history. Pitt finished the 2024 regular season 7-5 under 10th year head coach Pat Narduzzi, the second-winningest coach in Pitt history.
The Rockets opened up the game by scoring on their first drive with a 2-yard pass from QB Gleason to WR Torres. During the PAT, LB Louis of Pitt blocked the attempt and ran it back for a defensive PAT conversion to make the score 6-2 Toledo.
After forcing punts on both sides of the next two drives, the Panthers took the ball down the field for the remaining 4:31 of the first and opened the second quarter by scoring a touchdown, with RB Reid running it in from the 3-yard line. A 57-yard field goal from K Sauls on Pitt's next drive brought the score to 12-6 Panthers.
The Rockets were able to answer, with QB Gleason throwing a 67-yard touchdown to WR Vandeross III to give the lead back to Toledo. On the very next play, Pitt QB Lynch threw an interception which was returned for a touchdown by Toledo S Awls. With both touchdowns occurring in the span of 14 seconds, Toledo was able to take back the lead and build onto it to end the first half up 20-12.
To start the second half, the Rockets picked off Pitt again to force their second turnover of the day. However, Pitt's defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs in the next drive as they were able to hold the Rockets short on a fourth-and-one attempt. The Pitt offense then picked up as freshman QB Dugger entered the game, with the team scoring a touchdown and a field goal in the third followed by another touchdown in the beginning of the fourth to give them the lead 30-20.
Toledo found themselves down 10 with less than 8 minutes left in regulation and all the momentum going to Pitt in the last three scoring drives. The Rockets then hauled in their third pick-six of the game, this time caught by DT Alexander, who ran it all the way for a 58-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 30-27 Pitt. After forcing Pitt to punt on the next drive, the Rockets kicked a 51-yard field goal to tie the game. Toledo was able to sack the Panthers as time expired to force the game into overtime.
With each team getting a chance to possess the ball following the fourth quarter, the first overtime saw the Rockets and Panthers trade rushing touchdowns, forcing another extra period of play tied 37-37. Each team then settled for a field goal in the second overtime, with the score locked at 40-40 and yet again forcing the game into extra possessions on both sides.
Following the second overtime, each team was allotted an attempt at a two-point conversion. Both teams' saw the endzone in the third overtime, putting the game at 42-42 for an additional fourth chance to score.
In the fourth overtime, Toledo's Gleason was able to throw for the two-point conversion, making the score 44-42. On Pitt's last attempt, Dugger was sacked, which appeared to close out the game. However, a hold called on the Rockets gave Pitt another chance. On the next attempt, Dugger was then ruled short on a quarterback sneak which sent Toledo rushing onto the field for what they thought was a set victory. However, after replay, it was ruled that Dugger did in fact reach the ball across the goal line, sending the game into the fifth overtime.
In the fifth overtime, both teams traded successful passes to send the game into what would become the sixth and final overtime. To start the final period of play, Gleason of Toledo was able to complete a pass to WR Vandeross III to give them the lead. On Pitts attempt, Dugger's pass fell short after being pressured, ending the game 48-46 Toledo.
After an FBS bowl game record-setting six overtimes, the Toledo Rockets secured the win to become the 2024 GameAbove Sports™ Bowl Champions.
Toledo's offense was powered by WR Junior Vandeross III, earning him the title of the 2024 GameAbove SportsTM Bowl MVP. Vandeross III finished the game leading the team in receiving yards and securing the game-winning catch in the 6th overtime. Vandeross finished with 194 receiving yards on 12 receptions and a touchdown.
GAME NOTES:
- MVP: WR Junior Vandeross III (194 Receiving yards, 12 Receptions, 1 TD)
- Kickoff: 2:00 PM ET
- Network: ESPN
GAME STATS:
Passing Leaders
| Name | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Dugger (PITT) | 7/13 | 72 | 2 | 1 |
| Tucker Gleason (TOL) | 26/50 | 336 | 2 | 1 |
Rushing Leaders
| Name | Carries | Yards | TD | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desmond Reid (PITT) | 33 | 169 | 1 | 5.1 |
| Jacquez Stuart Jr. (TOL) | 7 | 39 | 0 | 5.6 |
Receiving Leaders
| Name | Receptions | Yards | TD | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raphael Williams (PITT) | 3 | 36 | 1 | 12.0 |
| Junior Vandeross III (TOL) | 12 | 194 | 1 | 16.2 |
