TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Toledo took to Tucson, AZ, with aspirations of a historic finish to this year’s football campaign. A victory would’ve marked a 12th win, which the program hadn’t done since 1971.
Instead, the Rockets see their season end on the final play of regulation.
“Disappointed that our senior class didn’t get a chance to win their last football game,” head coach Jason Candle said. “Had a great year and looking forward to what the offseason brings and how we can move this thing forward.”
With Mid-American Conference MVP Dequan Finn transferred, sophomore Tucker Gleason got the start for UT in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. The offense didn’t get off to a fast start but did show promise throughout the contest. Gleason, who hadn’t appeared in a game since September 23, finished 14 of 34 passing with 226 total yards and an interception.
The problem for the Rockets attack came on 3rd down. Toledo converted just 4 of their 13 attempts.
“There’s a couple of those that we could have had back,” quarterback Tucker Gleason said. “Once we got into their territory, we just stalled on drives and that killed us.”
Despite the struggles, Toledo still possessed a lead for a majority of the game on Saturday. Northview alum Luke Pawlak nailed a 33-yard field goal in the 2nd quarter to get the scoring started (Ended up going 2-for-2 on attempts). Then on the very next possession, Jacquez Stuart took off for an 80-yard touchdown run to give UT its first lead.
Defensively, Toledo stood strong. The unit gave up just six through three quarters of play. However in the 4th, with Wyoming having lost their starting quarterback to injury, the Rockets surrendered the final ten points. Capped off by a game-winning field goal (24 yards) as time expired.
“Obviously it’s not the finish we wanted,” Candle said. “It’s not like we got embarrassed in either of these last two games. We played great teams in hard-fought games.”
The defeat marked back-to-back losses for the program after winning 11 straight during the regular season. An 11-3 record is the best for UT since 2017.
Looking ahead to next year, Toledo returns quite of bit of talent but coach Candle understands that success will be based upon self-growth.
“We’re not defined by one player, we’re a good team,” he said. “We’re not a 5-star university who can just let guys go and allow the next 5-star to step up. We are a developmental program and we know that, so we got to continue developing guys at a high level.”
Gleason is among those players returning for Toledo in 2024. Although his lone start this season didn’t end with a victory, he told reporters that the experience will prove beneficial down the road.
“I think the biggest thing is getting the experience here,” he said. “Just trying to build momentum going into the offseason.”
Toledo will open next season at home on August 31, against Duquesne.
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