Rockets Strike Early, Pull Away in 63–21 Win Over USF

Kyle Craig, The Stateline Gazette

TAMPA — Toledo turned Saturday night into a showcase of precision and pace, overwhelming USF 63–21 behind an explosive passing performance and a relentless early surge that left little doubt about the outcome.

Quarterback Tucker Gleason needed barely more than a half to dismantle the Bulls’ defense, throwing for 297 yards and six touchdowns while completing 15 of 19 passes. The Rockets scored touchdowns on six of their first eight meaningful possessions, quickly transforming a competitive matchup into a runaway.

“When you’re seeing the field like that, your job is just to trust it and let it rip,” Gleason said. “Our receivers won one-on-ones all night.”

Trayvon Rudolph was the primary beneficiary, delivering a career performance with six catches for 149 yards and four touchdowns. Each time USF appeared close to stabilizing, Rudolph struck again, repeatedly breaking free downfield and stretching the Bulls’ coverage beyond repair.

“Trayvon set the tone,” Toledo’s coach said. “When you have a guy who can flip the field in one play, it changes everything defensively for the opponent.”

Junior Vandeross III added two touchdown catches and finished with 94 yards, while Chip Trayanum supplied balance with a short rushing score as Toledo averaged nearly 16 yards per completion.

USF was productive between the 20s but unable to keep pace. The Bulls amassed 476 total yards, with quarterback Byrum Brown accounting for 381 through the air and on the ground. However, turnovers and stalled red-zone drives repeatedly undercut promising possessions.

“You can’t give a team like that extra possessions,” a member of USF’s staff said afterward. “They don’t need many.”

Brown threw two interceptions, and backup Gaston Moore added two more as Toledo capitalized on short fields and defensive breakdowns. While Cartevious Norton and several receivers produced solid individual numbers, USF found itself chasing points from the second quarter on.

By the fourth quarter, the result was long decided. Toledo’s sideline was calm and composed, fully aware it had delivered a statement road performance.

The Rockets left Tampa with more than just a lopsided win. They departed with momentum and a clear message to the rest of the conference: without pressure on Gleason or protection against the deep ball, Toledo’s offense is capable of ending games quickly.