The Rockets overcame a 42-28 deficit before storming back to force overtime and eventually secure a win.
The Toledo Rockets pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in program history, overcoming a 42-28 deficit with just over a minute left and securing a 49-48 overtime win over the Temple Owls at the Glass Bowl on Saturday.
Despite trailing by double-digits in the final minutes, Toledo forced overtime with two touchdowns and an onside kick recovery in just 11 seconds, before eventually taking down the Owls in overtime to complete the historic comeback.
It appeared the Rockets were going to suffer a loss, trailing 42-28 with 1:11 remaining in regulation, but quarterback John Alan Richter found running back CJ Miller for a 10-yard touchdown to keep hope alive and cut the deficit to 42-35.
Toledo proceeded to pull off a successful onside kick, regaining control of the ball and completely stealing momentum.
With just 54 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Richter hit wide receiver Daryl Barnett Jr. for a game-tying touchdown.
The Rockets finally forged ahead with a 1-yard touchdown run from Conor Walendzak in the early stages of overtime.
Temple responded with a touchdown of their own, but opted to go for a potential game-winning 2-point conversion.
Toledo was able to force an incompletion on the final play and officially clinch one of the wildest wins in school history.
It was a truly unforgettable win for the Rockets, shocking Temple with 21 straight points to stage a thrilling 49-48 win.
Both teams traded punches throughout the first half as Miller scored a touchdown run to put the Rockets up 7-3 but the Owls instantly responded with a flurry of touchdown drives of their own to take a 24-14 advantage into halftime.
Toledo had an answer as well as Richter hit tight end Jacob Newell for his first touchdown of the season to trim the deficit 24-21. The Rockets continued to seize momentum with a forced fumble and quickly turning it into a touchdown.
On the opening play of the fourth quarter, Toledo defensive end Andrew Zock recovered a fumble to send the home crowd into a frenzy. Just moments later, Richter connected with Walendzak for a go-ahead touchdown with 12:29 left.
However, it was Temple’s turn to go on a run and the Owls did just that by scoring 15 unanswered points to take a 42-28 lead remaining in the fourth quarter. From that point on, the Rockets stormed back for a 49-48 overtime triumph.
Richter shattered his former career-high that was set last week, erupting for 429 passing yards and four touchdowns.
Walendzak compiled 71 total yards and two touchdowns, while Barnett added 47 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Toledo safety Kaleb Hutchinson posted a team-high 10 tackles, and linebacker Julian Fox totaled nine tackles in the win.
Additionally, Zock finished with seven tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery against the Owls.
The Rockets improved to 2-1 with a historic comeback win that fans from the Glass City will not forget any time soon.
Now, Toledo will turn their attention to hosting San Diego State in the non-conference finale on Saturday at noon.
