Texas Tech has no answer vs. Cincinnati in shocking upset

Texas Tech has no answer vs. Cincinnati in shocking upset appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Texas Tech football received the biggest beatdown among top 10 teams Saturday against Cincinnati. The Red Raiders’ 37-24 loss to the Bearcats watched their fans rush the field. Meanwhile, the likes of coach Joey McGuire, quarterback Will Hammond and TTU are left finding answers.

Especially after having virtually no answer for Cincy’s offensive attack.

The Bearcats gashed TTU’s once formidable defense especially late in the second quarter. Running back Cole Tabb broke off a 51-yard run that placed Cincinnati inside the Red Raiders’ red zone. That set up a JC French IV touchdown pass to his tight end Lyviel Waters from two yards out to place Cincy up 24-6 before halftime.

Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

Hammond struggled with ball security too, losing one fumble and getting picked off before the half. But Tabb delivered the dagger piercing moment for the once undefeated Red Raiders late in the fourth quarter.

Cole Tabb takes it 58-yards to the HOUSE!@GoBEARCATSpic.twitter.com/X19vlXjTu4

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 24, 2026

Tabb produced 16 carries for 173 yards and averaged 10.8 yards per carry in front of his home fans. French, meanwhile, outdueled Hammond by delivering 19-of-30 passing for 172 yards, four touchdowns and two picks. The dual-threat passer also added 46 yards on 12 carries. French delivered touchdown strikes to four different wideouts: Waters, Tabb, Larenzo Fenner and Malachi Henry.

TTU needed to lean into its ground attack to stay in the contest as close as possible. That approach created 39 carries for 173 yards while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Kenny Johnson grabbed seven catches for 81 yards but got kept out of the end zone.

Worse for the defending Big 12 champs? Cincy brought out the better defensive performance in tussling down four sacks along with seven tackles for a loss. Now the Big 12 title race just became more wide open.

Related: Dan Lanning reveals Oregon’s biggest ‘focus’ after disappointing loss to Illinois

Related: Philip Rivers emerges as possible NC State HC replacement after Dave Doeren firing