Bearcats’ 21-Point Second Quarter Stuns Red Raiders in 37-24 Upset

A Sudden Shift in Momentum

Cincinnati Bearcats 37, Texas Tech Red Raiders 24. The decisive factor in Saturday’s matchup at Nippert Stadium was the home team’s 21-point outburst in the second quarter. That surge, powered by a perfect passing performance from JC French IV, allowed the Bearcats to overcome an early deficit and secure a 37-24 victory over the visiting Red Raiders.

The game was played before a crowd of 38,088 fans, marking a significant weekend result for both programs.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Texas Tech struck first in the opening period, with Stone Harrington connecting on 47-yard and 48-yard field goals to build a 6-3 lead. Cincinnati responded with a 32-yard field goal by Harrington to tie the game at 3-3, but Tech extended their lead to 6-3 by the end of the first. The second quarter belonged entirely to Cincinnati.

JC French IV found Cole Tabb on a 4-yard pass, Malachi Henry on a 5-yard pass, and Lyviel Waters on a 2-yard pass for three consecutive touchdowns. These drives, all converted with Stephen Rusnak kicks, gave the Bearcats a 24-6 lead heading into the halftime break.

Third Quarter Momentum

Texas Tech attempted to claw back in the third quarter. Stone Harrington added a 42-yard field goal to narrow the gap to 24-9. However, Cincinnati’s defense provided a spark when Peyton Morgan returned an interception 53 yards for a touchdown.

Although a two-point conversion was unsuccessful, the play added six points to the Bearcats’ tally. French IV then connected with Larenzo Fenner on a 17-yard pass for another touchdown, extending Cincinnati’s lead to 31-15 by the end of the third period.

Final Stretch and Statistics

In the fourth quarter, Texas Tech scored 18 points to close the game. Stone Harrington kicked a 33-yard field goal, and Cole Tabb ran for a 58-yard touchdown, though the two-point conversion failed. Quinten Joyner added a 3-yard rushing touchdown, also without a conversion, to bring Texas Tech within seven points.

Despite the late surge, Cincinnati held on for the win. JC French IV completed 19 of 30 passes for 172 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. Cole Tabb rushed for 173 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown.

For Texas Tech, Will Hammond passed for 227 yards on 24 of 37 attempts with one interception. J'Koby Williams rushed for 81 yards, and Kenny Johnson caught seven passes for 81 yards. The result leaves Cincinnati with a 5-2 record and Texas Tech at 6-1.

Sources

ESPN