Cincinnati, OH (BCSNN) -- The 2024 GameAbove Sports Bowl is quickly approaching, and will feature the Pittsburgh Panthers against the Toledo Rockets at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, on December 26, 2024. Both teams enter the game with a 7-5 record, making this a highly anticipated match-up for fans of both teams.

Scouting The Pittsburgh Panthers
The Panthers started the season strong, winning their first seven games, but faltered in the latter half, losing their last five. They managed to defeat four bowl-eligible teams: West Virginia, UNC, Cal, and Syracuse. The Panthers average 32.2 points per game, ranking 38th in the country. They excel in passing, averaging 277.5 yards per game (15th in the nation), but struggle in rushing with 128.5 yards per game (101st in the nation).

Eli Holstein has been a standout quarterback, throwing for 2,255 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions on a 61.9% completion rate. Konata Mumpfield leads the receiving corps with 813 yards and five touchdowns on 52 catches. On the ground, Desmond Reid has been the primary running back, rushing for 797 yards and four touchdowns.

Defensively, the Panthers allow 26.8 points per game, ranking 82nd in the nation. They give up 258.3 passing yards and 115.5 rushing yards per game.

Scouting The Toledo Rockets
The Rockets also had a mixed season, finishing with a 7-5 record. They defeated two bowl-eligible teams: Miami (OH) and Northern Illinois. The Rockets average 26.9 points per game**, ranking 76th in the nation. They are more balanced in their offensive approach, averaging 246.2 passing yards (42nd in the nation) and 120.3 rushing yards per game (105th in the nation).

Tucker Gleason has been solid at quarterback, passing for 2,457 yards, 22 touchdowns, and seven interceptions on a 61.8% completion rate. Jerjuan Newton is the standout receiver with 949 yards and 11 touchdowns on 64 catches. Connor Walendzak leads the rushing attack with 457 yards and one touchdown.

Defensively, the Rockets allow 26.8 points per game, ranking 82nd in the nation. They give up 213.8 passing yards and 138.7 rushing yards per game.

Prediction
The game is expected to be close, with the Panthers having a slight edge due to their stronger passing game and Pitt is known to travel well. Looking at several projections, it seems like we could be looking at a Pittsburgh Panthers 31, Toledo Rockets 25 outcome. ESPN currently has the over/under sitting at 51.5. The way these two teams line up, it could be anyone's ball game.