Toledo escaped with a thrilling victory during Thursday's clash against Pitt in the GameAbove Sports Bowl in a game that went to six overtimes. If not for one questionable coaching decision from Pitt's coach Pat Narduzzi, the game may have ended in double OT.
The Panthers had the ball on Toledo's 1-yard line on fourth-and-goal, trailing the Rockets 40–37. Needing less than a full yard for the game-winning touchdown, Narduzzi controversially opted to take his offense off the field and kick a field goal to tie things up at 40.
It was a costly decision, as the teams exchanged two-point conversions for four more overtime periods until the game reached its conclusion, with Toledo pulling away 48–46. After the game, Narduzzi was seen heading to the locker room after the game without shaking hands with anyone from the team he just coached against for almost five hours.
Following the six-OT thriller, fans on social media couldn't help but question Narduzzi's questionable coaching decision to kick the field goal in the game's second overtime, rather than just go for the win.
WHY DIDN’T PITT GO FOR THE WIN??
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) December 26, 2024
Pat Narduzzi tying the game with a FG in double OT is literally the worst coaching decision in the history of football. Not even a close second.
— Thomas Casale (@TheTomCasale) December 26, 2024
Narduzzi deserved that for not going for the win from the half yard line
— Stuckey (@Stuckey2) December 26, 2024
Kicked a game tying field goal from the goal line then the defense let Toledo score in 6 straight overtimes.
— The Loyal Sons (@TheLoyalSons) December 26, 2024
Pat Narduzzi just kicked an 18 yard field goal in double overtime in a bowl game. STRAIGHT TO JAIL!
— Marc Givler (@MarcGivler) December 26, 2024
Vintage Pat Narduzzi!
— Brad Powers (@BradPowers7) December 26, 2024
Now I remember why I have no faith in Pitt to do anything.
— Schlasser (@UrinatingTree) December 26, 2024
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Fans Roast Pitt's Pat Narduzzi for Gutless Field Goal in OT in GameAbove Sports Bowl.
