Game Overview
The Cincinnati Bearcats secured a decisive 37-24 victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Nippert Stadium. The win improved Cincinnati’s record to 5-2, while Texas Tech fell to 6-1. Before a crowd of 38,088 spectators, the Bearcats utilized a dominant second quarter and strong defensive stops to overcome an early deficit from their visiting opponents.
Scoring Progression
The game began as a defensive struggle in the first quarter, with both teams exchanging field goals. Texas Tech’s Stone Harrington opened the scoring with a 32-yard kick, followed by Cincinnati’s Stephen Rusnak answering with a 47-yarder. However, Harrington reclaimed the lead before halftime, booting a 48-yard field goal to make it 6-3 at the end of the first period.
The complexion of the game shifted dramatically in the second quarter. Cincinnati quarterback JC French IV orchestrated three consecutive scoring drives, connecting with Cole Tabb on a 4-yard touchdown pass, Malachi Henry on a 5-yard strike, and Lyviel Waters on a 2-yard catch. Each score was successfully converted with kicks from Rusnak, allowing Cincinnati to surge ahead 24-6 heading into the break.
Texas Tech attempted to mount a comeback in the third quarter. Harrington added a 42-yard field goal to cut the deficit to nine points. The momentum turned sharply after Peyton Morgan returned an interception 53 yards for a touchdown, though the subsequent two-point conversion failed. French IV responded quickly, finding Larenzo Fenner for a 17-yard touchdown pass to restore a 31-9 advantage.
The fourth quarter saw both offenses struggle to find rhythm until late in the game. Harrington kicked a 33-yard field goal to bring Texas Tech within 12 points. Cincinnati extended its lead to 37-18 when Cole Tabb broke loose for a 58-yard touchdown run, followed by Quinten Joyner adding a 3-yard rushing touchdown.
Despite a late scoring drive from the Red Raiders that ended with a final score of 24, the Bearcats held on for the win.
