Late Surge Decides Nippert Stadium Showdown
The decisive blow came in the fourth quarter when Cole Tabb broke free for a 58-yard rushing touchdown. The play, which Cincinnati failed to convert on a two-point attempt, extended their lead to 37-18 and effectively ended the contest. Tabb’s performance was a central pillar of the Bearcats' offensive strategy, complementing the aerial attack that dismantled the Texas Tech defense.
With the final whistle blowing, Cincinnati improved to a 5-2 record, while Texas Tech fell to 6-1 in front of a crowd of 38,088 at Nippert Stadium.
French IV Leads Aerial Assault
Cincinnati quarterback JC French IV was the engine behind the offense, completing 19 of 30 passes for 172 yards and four touchdowns. Although he threw two interceptions, his ability to find targets in the second quarter was pivotal.
French connected with Cole Tabb for a 4-yard score, Malachi Henry for a 5-yard touchdown, and Lyviel Waters for a 2-yard play to put the Bearcats up 24-6 at the half. The Bearcats' receiving corps also featured Zylan Perry, who hauled in four passes for 43 yards, providing a reliable safety valve when the run game needed a break.
Tech Struggles in Second Half
Texas Tech managed an early lead through field goals, but their offensive production stalled significantly after the intermission. The Red Raiders scored only nine points in the third quarter and nine in the fourth, failing to generate a rushing touchdown. Will Hammond led the Texas Tech passing attack with 227 yards on 24 of 37 completions, though he was intercepted once.
On the ground, J'Koby Williams carried the ball 12 times for 81 yards, while Kenny Johnson led the receiving corps with seven catches for 81 yards. The lack of explosive plays in the second half allowed Cincinnati's defense to control the tempo and secure the upset.
Scoring Sequence and Final Records
The game unfolded with Cincinnati taking a 3-0 lead on a Stephen Rusnak field goal, which Stone Harrington tied. Harrington then kicked a 48-yard field goal to give Texas Tech a 6-3 lead. However, the Bearcats exploded for 21 points in the second quarter, all through French IV's passing.
In the third, Harrington added a 42-yard field goal, but Peyton Morgan's 53-yard interception return for six points shifted the momentum. Tabb's late run and a Quinten Joyner 3-yard touchdown run in the fourth sealed the 37-24 final score.
Sources
ESPN
