Cincinnati Stuns No. 8 Texas Tech in 37-24 Upset

Bearcats Deliver Statement Victory

The Cincinnati Bearcats pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the college football season on Saturday, defeating the No. 8 Texas Tech Red Raiders 37-24 at Nippert Stadium. Behind a dominant rushing performance and a defense that forced multiple turnovers, head coach Scott Satterfield’s team earned a signature victory on its homecoming weekend.

The loss ended Texas Tech’s undefeated start to the season, dropping the Red Raiders to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Big 12 play. Cincinnati improved to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in conference action, giving the program a major boost as it looks to climb the Big 12 standings.

Cincinnati Takes Control Before Halftime

Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond struggled to find consistency against Cincinnati’s defense. Hammond completed 24 of 37 passes for 227 yards and threw an interception. The Red Raiders repeatedly moved the football but struggled to turn their opportunities into touchdowns during the first half.

Cincinnati quarterback JC French IV helped the Bearcats take advantage. French completed 19 of 30 passes for 172 yards and four touchdowns, delivering several key throws when his team needed them most.

After Texas Tech opened a 6-3 lead in the first quarter, Cincinnati responded with a touchdown pass from French to Cole Tabb. The Bearcats continued building momentum, with French connecting with Malachi Henry for a five yard score before finding tight end Lyviel Waters for another touchdown just before halftime.

Cincinnati scored 21 points in the second quarter, taking a commanding 24-6 advantage into the locker room.

Texas Tech Attempts a Comeback

The Red Raiders briefly gained momentum in the third quarter when safety Peyton Morgan intercepted a deflected pass from French and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown. The defensive score cut Cincinnati’s lead to 24-15 and gave Texas Tech an opportunity to get back into the game.

However, French responded with his fourth touchdown pass of the afternoon, connecting with Larenzo Fenner for a 17-yard score to restore Cincinnati’s comfortable advantage.

The Bearcats then delivered the decisive blow in the fourth quarter. Running back Cole Tabb broke free for a spectacular 58 yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 37-18 and putting the game out of reach.

Tabb finished with a career high 173 rushing yards on 16 carries, providing the balance Cincinnati needed to defeat one of the nation’s top-ranked teams.

A Major Setback for the Red Raiders

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire will have plenty to address after his team committed costly mistakes and struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Red Raiders finished with three turnovers, while Cincinnati’s defense consistently came up with important stops.

Cincinnati now has a signature win to build on as it prepares to host Utah next weekend. Texas Tech will look to bounce back against Arizona after suffering its first loss of the season.