The Cincinnati Bearcats delivered a decisive second‑half performance Saturday at Nippert Stadium, defeating the visiting Texas Tech Red Raiders 37‑24. The win improves Cincinnati’s record to 5‑2, while Texas Tech slips to 6‑1.

First half: Field goals keep the game close

The opening quarter was a defensive standoff, with both teams scoring only via field goals. Cincinnati’s Stephen Rusnak opened the scoring with a 47‑yard kick, giving the Bearcats a 3‑0 lead. Texas Tech answered quickly; Stone Harrington’s 32‑yard field goal tied the game at 3‑3. Just before the break, Harrington extended his range with a 48‑yard effort, putting the Red Raiders ahead 6‑3 at halftime.

Second half: French IV ignites the offense

After the break, Cincinnati’s offense exploded. Junior quarterback JC French IV connected with running back Cole Tabb on a 4‑yard touchdown pass, flipping the lead to 10‑6. French continued his on‑fire showing, finding Malachi Henry for a 5‑yard score that pushed the Bearcats ahead 17‑6. A short 2‑yard reception by Lyviel Waters extended the margin to 24‑6 heading into the third quarter.

Third quarter: Defense adds a score

Texas Tech attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap with a 42‑yard field goal (24‑9). Cincinnati’s defense answered decisively when safety Peyton Morgan intercepted a pass and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown. Although the subsequent two‑point conversion failed, the defensive score widened the lead to 31‑9.

French IV added another passing touchdown, this time a 17‑yard strike to Larenzo Fenner, capping Cincinnati’s third‑quarter surge at 31‑12.

Fourth quarter: Texas Tech rallies, but Bearcats hold on

The Red Raiders rallied late, with Harrington’s 33‑yard field goal bringing the score to 31‑15. Texas Tech later added a 58‑yard run by Cole Tabb that resulted in a touchdown, though the two‑point conversion failed, leaving the final tally at 37‑24 in favor of Cincinnati.

Key performances

• JC French IV – four touchdown passes, the catalyst for Cincinnati’s offensive explosion.
• Cole Tabb – 173 rushing yards and a late‑game touchdown run.
• Peyton Morgan – 53‑yard interception return for a defensive touchdown.

The victory underscores Cincinnati’s balanced attack of aerial firepower and ground dominance, while Texas Tech will look to regroup as the season progresses.

Original reporting: DenisonWeekly.news — read the source article.