Cincinnati delivered a commanding performance Saturday to upset No. 8 Texas Tech, 37-24, at Nippert Stadium, marking a significant milestone for the Bearcats. Quarterback JC French IV threw a career-high four touchdown passes, while running back Cole Tabb rushed for a career-best 173 yards and scored twice, leading Cincinnati to its first home victory over a top-10 opponent since 2006.
Cincinnati (5-2, 2-2 American Athletic Conference) built a strong lead in the second quarter, scoring 21 points to take control. Tabb’s four-yard touchdown reception gave the Bearcats an early edge, followed by a five-yard touchdown catch from Malachi Henry. A critical interception by MJ Cannon set up a swift 75-yard scoring drive capped by a two-yard touchdown catch from tight end Lyviel Waters, pushing the halftime lead to 24-6.
Texas Tech (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) struggled with mistakes throughout the game, which ultimately hampered their opportunity to remain unbeaten in the season. Red Raiders quarterback Will Hammond turned the ball over on a fumble early, which led to an opening field goal for Cincinnati, and also committed an intentional grounding penalty that forced Texas Tech into settling for a tying field goal. Hammond finished 227 yards passing with one interception, while running back J’Koby Williams contributed 81 yards on 11 carries.
Despite the Bearcats’ dominance, Texas Tech mounted a third-quarter comeback when safety Peyton Morgan intercepted French and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown. Although initially negated by a targeting call, the touchdown was reinstated on video review, narrowing the score to 24-15. Cincinnati quickly responded with a methodical 80-yard, nine-play drive that concluded with French’s fourth touchdown pass, a 17-yard strike to Larenzo Fenner.
Tabb then sealed the game with a 58-yard touchdown run in the final six minutes, helping the Bearcats secure their biggest win since defeating No. 7 Rutgers 16 years earlier. Cincinnati’s ground game was a key factor, finishing with 252 rushing yards on a 6.1 yards-per-carry average despite a slow start that included negative rushing yards in the first quarter due to sacks.
Bearcats coach Scott Satterfield praised his team’s effort, acknowledging the significance of defeating a high-ranking opponent that had playoff experience last season. “We just beat the No. 8 team in the country,” he said. “That team played in the playoffs last year. I’m really proud of our program.”
For Texas Tech, the loss ended the Red Raiders’ bid for a 7-0 start to the season, a feat they had not accomplished since 2013. The defeat also raised questions about their path to the College Football Playoff after winning the Big 12 championship last season following a strong start. Coach Joey McGuire expressed frustration with the team’s performance and emphasized the need to refocus.
“We’re going to have to win out to get where we want to get,” McGuire said. He also downplayed off-field distractions related to quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s transfer saga and a related betting controversy, stating that the team had put such issues aside to concentrate on football. Cincinnati fans had intermittently chanted Sorsby’s name during the game, but McGuire maintained the team present for the matchup was different from the one in June.
As Cincinnati improves its standing in the conference, the Bearcats will look to build on this landmark victory. Texas Tech, meanwhile, faces pressure to rebound and maintain its playoff aspirations with key matchups ahead.