The college football bowl season is heading to the GameAbove Sports Bowl, featuring the Pittsburgh Panthers against the Toledo Rockets at Ford Field in Detroit.
The Panthers had a strong start to the season with a seven-game winning streak. However, they faced difficulties towards the end, losing their last five games of the season due to the injury of quarterback Eli Holstein, who suffered a leg injury against Louisville. Despite the tough stretch, the Panthers still managed to secure a spot in the postseason. It remains unclear who will start at quarterback for the Panthers, as backup Nate Yarnell, who took over the offense for Holstein, has since entered the transfer portal and committed to Texas State.
The Rockets concluded the season with a 7-5 record, guided by junior quarterback Tucker Gleason. Gleason achieved a completion rate of 61.8%, throwing for 2,457 yards, 22 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He was supported by two outstanding wide receivers, Jerjuan Newton and Junior Vandeross III, both of whom earned All-MAC honors after their impressive performances throughout the season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the GameAbove Sports Bowl.
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Adam Rittenberg writes: “Both teams had higher postseason aspirations, especially Pitt, which started 7-0 before dropping its final five regular-season games and losing quarterback Eli Holstein to injury. The location favors Toledo, just a short drive from Detroit, and a defense that performed well in wins over Northern Illinois and others. Both teams are limited on offense, as Pitt’s quarterback situation seems murky at best and Toledo scored just 21 total points in two losses to close the regular season. A tough prediction here, but Pitt’s defense seems a bit more reliable and will do enough to stifle Toledo’s drives.”
Staff writes: “Pitt has more opt-outs and parts missing, but it has more room to lose players. Toledo’s margin for talent error is far slimmer. The Panther quarterback situation is the problem. Check back on this just before game time. Until we know for sure that Eli Holstein can go, assume he can’t. However, again, the Panthers have more decent players who can step in and take over. The Rockets will put up a good fight, but the Power Four lines – in whatever configuration they may be – will take over in the final 20 minutes.”
The Pittsburgh Panthers are favorites to defeat the Toledo Rockets, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of evening of Wednesday, Dec. 25.
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