Rockets Lose Thriller to Fresno State

ESPN's Chris Fowler put Fresno State on upset watch Saturday morning during ESPN's College Gameday program. Toledo responded and came from 10 down in the 4th quarter to send #25 Fresno State into a dogfight in overtime. The Rockets gambled after scoring a TD in the 2nd overtime and went for two and the win, but Fresno State stopped the play and came away with a 55-54 victory.

The University of Toledo has struggled against top non-conference opponents the last few years. Fresno State came in ranked 25th in the country after beating Rutgers and losing a close one against #8 Wisconsin 13-10.

The Fresno State defense was supposed to be the heart and soul of their team, but Toledo racked up 598 yards in total offense and sent the 25th ranked Bulldogs into the fight of their life with a tie game at 41 a piece headed to overtime.

Toledo striked first in overtime when Aaron Opelt threw a backwards pass to wide receiver Nick Moore who then threw a pass to wideout Stephen Williams down to the Fresno State 1 yard line. Opelt ran it in from one yard out and Toledo had a 48-41 lead.

Fresno State would score quickly to send it to a 2nd overtime and then score again quickly to take a 55-48 lead.

It looked as if Toledo might not score, but Opelt hit John Allen on 4th and goal to setup the next play. Head Coach Tom Amstutz elected to go for two and the win, but Opelt was pressured and his pass fell incomplete, giving Fresno State a 55-54 double overtime victory.

Rocket Digest will have more on the game, including a full photo gallery in the next day or so, but until then enjoy this brief photo gallery from the game. Photos by Rocket Digest Photographer Paul Nelson.