YPSILANTI, Mich. — In a thrilling contest on Saturday, Tucker Gleason led the Toledo Rockets to a narrow victory over Eastern Michigan, throwing for three touchdowns and contributing one on the ground. The game concluded dramatically when Avery Smith from Toledo prevented a 2-point conversion attempt on the final play, securing a 29-28 win for his team.

Toledo improved its record to 6-3 overall and 3-2 in conference play, marking their 15th consecutive season of becoming bowl eligible. The Rockets have enjoyed significant success against Eastern Michigan, winning 22 of their last 25 matchups.

With just 2:03 left in the fourth quarter, Toledo called a timeout to plan a crucial fourth-and-1 play at the 25-yard line of Eastern Michigan. Gleason executed a rollout to his right and completed a short pass to tight end Thomas Zsiros, who sprinted for what initially seemed to be a tackle just outside the pylon. After a review, the call was overturned, awarding the score and extending Toledo’s lead to 29-22.

Defensive end D’Andre Ragin put pressure on Eastern Michigan quarterback Cole Snyder, recording a sack on the first play of the following drive. Eastern Michigan struggled to move the ball, forcing them into a punting situation after two incomplete passes, giving Toledo possession again with 1:25 on the clock. Unable to advance, the Rockets went three-and-out, setting up Eastern Michigan at their own 18-yard line with just one minute remaining and no timeouts.

In a last-ditch effort, the Eagles quickly moved the ball down the field, securing three first downs to reach Toledo’s 36-yard line with only seven seconds left. Snyder launched a final pass to the end zone, connecting with Terry Lockett Jr. for a touchdown as time expired, bringing the score to 29-28.

Desiring to win the game, Eastern Michigan opted to go for a 2-point conversion. After a Toledo timeout, Snyder attempted another pass to Lockett, but this time Avery Smith made a crucial play, disrupting the throw and securing the win for Toledo.

Snyder concluded the game with 265 passing yards, achieving two touchdowns alongside one interception for Eastern Michigan.

In a concerning moment during the game, Toledo linebacker Jeremiah Peters collapsed on the sidelines right after an Eastern Michigan field goal. He was promptly taken to an ambulance, and later reports indicated that he was stable and alert as he continued to undergo medical evaluations at a local hospital.