In a stunning turn of events, the Toledo Rockets delivered a resounding upset to the Mississippi State Bulldogs, not only humiliating them in their own stadium but also earning a lucrative payout from two different schools. Originally scheduled to face off against Maryland this season, Toledo agreed to postpone the game to 2029 in exchange for a handsome sum of $575,000. This decision freed up their schedule, allowing them to add a "buy game" in 2024, which caught the attention of Mississippi State who offered an impressive $1.2 million for the match in Starkville.

Toledo's Athletic Director, Bryan Blair, expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity, stating, "I thought it was a great opportunity when (head coach Jason Candle) and I talked about it. We felt confident that regardless of whether it was Maryland or Mississippi State, we were going to show up and compete. And the financial benefits we gained from this deal are indeed sweet."

From the very beginning, it was clear that Toledo was a force to be reckoned with. They dominated the first half, outscoring the Bulldogs by a staggering 28-3. Maintaining their stronghold throughout the game, Toledo secured an easy 41-17 victory and left no room for doubt. Their offensive performance was exceptional, amassing over 420 total yards, while the Mississippi State defense struggled to find an answer for Toledo's quarterback, Tucker Gleason. Gleason demonstrated his prowess by completing 23 of 28 passes for an impressive 285 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Speaking on this remarkable accomplishment, Gleason shared, "It's kind of a surreal feeling. I mean, you come into their place, and we're able to put up 41 points on offense."

With this momentous win, Toledo now boasts an undefeated 3-0 record for the season. Meanwhile, Mississippi State, under new head coach Jeff Lebby, suffered their second loss, bringing their record to 1-2. This victory also marks Toledo's second-ever triumph over an SEC program, signaling their growing prominence on the college football stage.

The Toledo Rockets' triumph over the Mississippi State Bulldogs not only showcased their exceptional talent and competitiveness but also highlighted the financial benefits that can arise from strategic scheduling and strong performances. This unexpected victory will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant milestone in the trajectory of Toledo's football program.