Bearcats Overcome Early Deficit
The Cincinnati Bearcats secured a 37-24 victory over the visiting Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday at Nippert Stadium, ending the Red Raiders' strong start to the season. The home team, now 5-2, capitalized on a dominant second half to pull away from a team that finished the game with a 6-1 record.
Attendance at the venue reached 38,088 as Cincinnati executed a game plan that neutralized Texas Tech’s early momentum.
Second-Half Surge
Texas Tech took a 6-3 lead into the second quarter, but Cincinnati responded with a 21-point outburst. The Bearcats scored three consecutive touchdowns in the second period to take a 24-6 lead. This surge was powered by quarterback JC French IV, who connected on short passes to Cole Tabb, Malachi Henry, and Lyviel Waters.
While Texas Tech added a 42-yard field goal by Stone Harrington in the third quarter to cut the deficit, the damage was already done. Cincinnati extended their lead with a 53-yard interception return for a touchdown by Peyton Morgan and another pass from French IV to Larenzo Fenner.
Key Performances
JC French IV was the engine of the Cincinnati offense, completing 19 of 30 passes for 172 yards and four touchdowns, despite throwing two interceptions. His accuracy in the red zone was critical to the 37-point total. On the ground, Cole Tabb provided a balanced threat, rushing for 173 yards on 16 carries and scoring a 58-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Zylan Perry added 43 receiving yards on four catches. For Texas Tech, Will Hammond completed 24 of 37 passes for 227 yards but was intercepted once. J'Koby Williams rushed for 81 yards on 12 carries, while Kenny Johnson led the receiving corps with 81 yards on seven receptions.
Final Standings
The result leaves Cincinnati with a 5-2 record and Texas Tech at 6-1. The game featured a total of 12 scoring plays, with Cincinnati outscoring Texas Tech 21-0 in the third quarter alone. The Bearcats' ability to convert drives into points, particularly through the air, proved decisive in the final margin.
Texas Tech’s offense struggled to sustain drives against the home defense, leading to a final score of 37-24 in favor of the Bearcats.
Sources
ESPN
