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Cincinnati Outlasts Texas Tech 37-24 Behind French IV’s Four Touchdowns

JC French IV threw four touchdown passes and Cole Tabb rushed for 173 yards as Cincinnati defeated Texas Tech 37-24 at Nippert Stadium.

Theo Vance· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

October 25, 20262 min read

NCAA FootballFinal
Texas Tech Red Raiders24
Cincinnati Bearcats37

October 24, 2026

A Second-Half Surge Decides the Contest

The Cincinnati Bearcats secured a decisive victory over the visiting Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with a final score of 37-24 at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The outcome was largely determined by Cincinnati’s offensive explosion in the second quarter and a critical defensive stop that shifted momentum irreversibly.

While Texas Tech took an early lead through three first-quarter field goals, the Bearcats responded with relentless efficiency. Quarterback JC French IV orchestrated the turning point of the game, connecting on touchdown passes to Cole Tabb, Malachi Henry, and Lyviel Waters in the second period. These three scoring drives allowed Cincinnati to erase the deficit and build a commanding 24-6 advantage heading into halftime.

Key Performers Define the Statistical Line

French IV was the central figure for the home team, completing 19 of his 30 pass attempts for 172 yards. He accounted for four touchdowns but also threw two interceptions, highlighting the high-risk, high-reward nature of the Bearcats' offensive approach. The ground game provided crucial support, with running back Cole Tabb dominating the rushing attack.

Tabb carried the ball 16 times for 173 yards and added a touchdown in the fourth quarter, breaking open the game with a 58-yard run.

On the receiving end, Zylan Perry contributed four catches for 43 yards for Cincinnati. For Texas Tech, Will Hammond directed the offense with 24 completions out of 37 attempts for 227 yards and one interception.

The Red Raiders relied heavily on running back J'Koby Williams, who rushed 12 times for 81 yards, and wide receiver Kenny Johnson, who led all receivers with seven catches for 81 yards.

Defensive Stops Seal the Win

The Bearcats’ defense proved vital in the third quarter. After Texas Tech narrowed the gap to 24-9 via a field goal, Cincinnati’s Peyton Morgan intercepted a pass and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown. Although the subsequent two-point conversion attempt failed, the six points effectively ended any realistic hope of a Texas Tech comeback.

Texas Tech attempted a late rally in the fourth quarter with field goals from Stone Harrington and rushing touchdowns from Quinten Joyner. However, Cincinnati held firm, adding another score via Tabb’s run to push the final margin to 37-24. The win improves Cincinnati’s record to 5-2, while Texas Tech falls to 6-1. A total of 38,088 spectators witnessed the contest at Nippert Stadium.

Sources

ESPN

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Theo Vance· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

Theo Vance writes about Frisco sports, from high school programs to the city's pro and collegiate teams.

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