DETROIT — In a thrilling matchup at the GameAbove Sports Bowl held at Ford Field, Tucker Gleason showcased his exceptional skills by scoring one touchdown in overtime and throwing four more, leading Toledo to a nail-biting 48-46 victory over Pittsburgh in a record-setting six overtimes. This contest not only captured the attention of football fans but also shattered the previous bowl record for the longest game just two days after the Hawaii Bowl, where South Florida triumphed over San Jose State in five overtimes with a score of 41-39.
Pitt’s debutant freshman quarterback, Julian Dugger, had a standout performance, accounting for two rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns. However, his incomplete pass during the sixth overtime ultimately concluded the game, ending the Panthers’ hopes for victory.
The overtime action began when both Gleason and Dugger exchanged rushing touchdowns in the first extra period. In the second, each team secured a field goal, then in the third overtime, they responded with successful two-point conversions. Gleason would later give Toledo a slim 44-42 edge in the fourth with another two-point conversion. Despite a pivotal moment when Dugger was sacked and appeared to end the game with a defensive holding call against Toledo, replay confirmed he reached the end zone just in time for a score.
As the game progressed into the fifth overtime, Dugger managed to connect with Gavin Bartholomew for a touchdown, putting Pittsburgh ahead 46-44. However, Gleason quickly equalized with his own touchdown pass, before sealing the deal with another scoring throw in the sixth overtime. Dugger faced immense pressure, leading to a critical, game-ending incompletion.
Pittsburgh was compelled to navigate the game without their starting quarterback Eli Holstein, who was sidelined due to a leg injury, and backup Nate Yarnell, who had entered the transfer portal. Freshman David Lynch, a redshirt walk-on, began as quarterback but was replaced in the third quarter after throwing two interceptions.
Dugger’s entry into the game resulted in a quick turnaround for the Panthers, as he guided them to two touchdowns and a field goal in his initial drives, flipping the score from a 20-12 deficit to an impressive 30-20 advantage. Nonetheless, Toledo struck back with another pick-six, this time by Darius Alexander, who returned Dugger’s interception for a 58-yard touchdown. A successful extra point narrowed Pittsburgh’s lead to 30-27, and the Rockets went on to tie the game late with a field goal.
Toledo kicked off the scoring early in the first quarter with a touchdown pass from Gleason, but an extraordinary play occurred when Kyle Louis blocked the extra point and returned it, granting Pittsburgh two points on defense, making it the first time since 1990 they achieved that feat. The Panthers initially surged to a 12-6 lead with a 3-yard run from Desmond Reid and a long 57-yard field goal, but Toledo’s Gleason responded with a remarkable 67-yard touchdown pass to Junior Vandeross III, lifting the Rockets ahead 13-12 in the second quarter. Shortly after, Lynch’s pass attempt was intercepted by Braden Awls, who returned it 42 yards for another touchdown, allowing Toledo to end the half with a 20-12 lead.
