The Pitt Panthers (7-5) will face the Toledo Rockets (7-5) in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on Thursday at Ford Field in Detroit and will be broadcast on ESPN.

Here’s how to watch Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Toledo Rockets in the Sports Bowl:

• Date: Thursday, December 26, 2024
• Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
• Channel: ESPN
• Stream: Fubo

For Pitt, it was a tale of two seasons. After starting the year 7-0, the Panthers stumbled into bowl season with a five-game losing streak. Their most recent loss, a 34-23 loss to Boston College, highlighted the team’s struggles.

In that game, QB Nate Yarnell threw for 296 yards and 3 touchdowns, but has since transferred to Texas, leaving Eli Holstein to take charge of this bowl game. Holstein, a freshman, will be making his first start and all eyes will be on how he handles the pressure in Detroit.

The Rockets had a bumpy ride themselves, reaching the GameAbove Sports Bowl trailing by two games. Their most recent setback, a 21-14 overtime loss to Akron, was heartbreaking.

QB Tucker Gleason had a solid performance in this game, going 31 of 44 for 289 yards and a touchdown, but Toledo’s offense struggled to capitalize in crucial moments. The Rockets need Gleason to be at his best if they want to knock out the Panthers and secure their first bowl win since 2018.