As the college football season winds down, two teams looking to end their campaigns on a high note will clash on Thursday. The Pittsburgh Panthers (7-5) will face off against the Toledo Rockets (7-5) in the GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit. Both teams are eager to shake off the disappointment of their recent losses and make a statement in this postseason matchup.
The Panthers’ last game was a tough one, as they fell to the Boston College Eagles with a score of 34-23. On the other hand, the Rockets also faced a setback in their final regular-season game, narrowly losing to the Akron Zips, 21-14. With both teams coming off losses, the stakes are high for this bowl game, and fans can expect an intense showdown.
Offensive and Defensive Strengths
Toledo’s offense has had its ups and downs this season, ranking 73rd nationally with an average of 26.9 points per game. However, their defense has been a shining star, sitting at 32nd in the country by allowing just 21.3 points per game. Quarterback Tucker Gleason, a 6-foot-3 junior, has been a reliable leader for the Rockets, throwing for 2,457 yards with a 61.8% completion rate and an impressive 22-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His ability to make plays will be crucial if Toledo hopes to secure a victory.
Conversely, Pittsburgh’s offense has been more prolific, ranking 40th with an average of 31.8 points per game. However, their defense has struggled, ranking 82nd by conceding 26.8 points per contest. This contrast in performance between the two teams creates an intriguing dynamic. Will Toledo’s strong defense be able to contain Pittsburgh’s high-scoring offense, or will the Panthers find a way to exploit the Rockets’ defensive weaknesses?
Quarterback Changes and Game Strategy
In a significant development for the Panthers, they will be without quarterback Nate Yarnell, who has entered the transfer portal. This leaves Eli Holstein, who is expected to return from a lower-leg injury, to take the reins under center. Holstein’s return could provide a much-needed spark for Pittsburgh as they aim to finish the season on a positive note. How will his presence impact the team’s offensive strategy? It remains to be seen, but fans are hopeful that he can lead the Panthers to victory.
The game will kick off at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 26, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. With both teams eager to prove themselves, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with excitement and drama.
How to Listen to the Game
For those looking to catch the action on the radio, here’s what you need to know. The game can be listened to live on SiriusXM. Pittsburgh fans will want to tune into channel 371 for their team-specific commentary, while the national broadcast can be found on channel 84. It’s a great way to stay connected to the game, no matter where you are.
Listen to Pitt vs. Toledo live on SiriusXM, and don’t miss out on the excitement of college football bowl season. Plus, if you’re not already a subscriber, you can get SiriusXM for free for your first month. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy live NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL games, along with college sports and much more!
Upcoming Bowl Schedule
As we look ahead to the rest of the bowl season, here’s a quick glance at the upcoming matchups:
Thursday, Dec. 26
- GameAbove Sports Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. Toledo at 2 p.m. ET
Friday, Dec. 27
- Music City Bowl: Iowa vs. Missouri at 2:30 p.m. ET (ESPN, Fubo)
Saturday, Dec. 28
- Various bowl games scheduled
Monday, Dec. 30
- Various bowl games scheduled
Tuesday, Dec. 31
- ReliaQuest Bowl: Alabama vs. Michigan at Noon ET (ESPN, Fubo)
- Sun Bowl: Louisville vs. Washington at 2 p.m. ET (CBS, Fubo, Paramount+)
- Citrus Bowl: South Carolina vs. Illinois at 3 p.m. ET (ABC, Fubo)
- Texas Bowl: LSU vs. Baylor at 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN, Fubo)
- CFP Quarterfinal (Fiesta Bowl): Boise State vs. Penn State at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN, Fubo)
Wednesday, Jan. 1
- CFP Quarterfinal (Peach Bowl): Arizona State vs. Texas at 1 p.m. ET (ESPN, Fubo)
- CFP Quarterfinal (Rose Bowl): Oregon vs. Ohio State at 5 p.m. ET (ESPN, Fubo)
- CFP Quarterfinal (Sugar Bowl): Georgia vs. Notre Dame at 8:45 p.m. ET (ESPN, Fubo)
Thursday, Jan. 2
- Gator Bowl: Duke vs. Ole Miss at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN, Fubo)
Friday, Jan. 3
- Various bowl games scheduled
Saturday, Jan. 4
- Bahamas Bowl: Liberty vs. Buffalo at 11 a.m. ET (ESPN2, Fubo)
Thursday, Jan. 9
- CFP Semifinal (Orange Bowl): Sugar Bowl winner vs. Fiesta Bowl winner at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN, Fubo)
Friday, Jan. 10
- CFP Semifinal (Cotton Bowl): Rose Bowl winner vs. Peach Bowl winner at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN, Fubo)
With so much action on the horizon, college football fans have plenty to look forward to. The GameAbove Sports Bowl is just the beginning of an exciting postseason filled with thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. Will the Panthers or the Rockets rise to the occasion? Tune in to find out!
