Bearcats Rallies Past Red Raiders 37-24 in Nippert Stadium Thriller

Bearcats Outscore Red Raiders in Decisive Second Half

Cincinnati Bearcats defeated the Texas Tech Red Raiders 37-24 on Saturday at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The home team capitalized on a dominant offensive surge during the second quarter and a critical defensive play in the third to secure the victory. The game concluded with Cincinnati improving their record to 5-2, while Texas Tech dropped to 6-1.

Attendance at the venue reached 38,088 fans for the contest.

French and Tabb Drive Scoring Surge

The Bearcats established early momentum with a 47-yard field goal by Stephen Rusnak, but Texas Tech responded with two field goals from Stone Harrington to take a 6-3 lead into halftime. The second quarter became the defining period for Cincinnati, as they outscored the Red Raiders 18-0.

Quarterback JC French IV connected with Cole Tabb for a 4-yard touchdown, followed by a 5-yard score to Malachi Henry. French then found Lyviel Waters for a 2-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 24-6. French finished the game with 172 passing yards on 19 of 30 attempts, accounting for four touchdowns and two interceptions.

Cole Tabb added a ground threat with 173 rushing yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Zylan Perry contributed 43 receiving yards on four catches.

Defensive Stand Shifts Momentum

Texas Tech managed to trim the deficit slightly in the third quarter with a 42-yard field goal by Stone Harrington. However, the momentum shifted decisively when Peyton Morgan returned an interception 53 yards for a touchdown. Although the two-point conversion failed, the play gave Cincinnati a 31-15 lead.

The Bearcats extended their advantage with a 17-yard touchdown pass from French to Larenzo Fenner. In the fourth quarter, Texas Tech scored 12 unanswered points, starting with a 33-yard field goal by Harrington. They followed with a 58-yard rushing touchdown by Cole Tabb and a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Quinten Joyner, both failing on two-point conversions.

Despite the late push, Cincinnati held on for the win.

Red Raiders’ Top Performers

Texas Tech’s offense struggled to sustain drives against the Bearcats defense. Will Hammond completed 24 of 37 passes for 227 yards and one interception. On the ground, J'Koby Williams carried the ball 12 times for 81 yards.

Kenny Johnson led the receiving corps with 81 yards on seven receptions. The Red Raiders’ scoring was limited to field goals and late-game touchdowns, unable to overcome the deficit created by Cincinnati’s explosive second quarter.

Sources

ESPN