A Dominant Second Quarter Decides It
JC French IV orchestrated a decisive second-quarter surge that defined the contest, throwing three touchdown passes to help the Cincinnati Bearcats overcome an early deficit and secure a 37-24 victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The win improves Cincinnati’s record to 5-2, while Texas Tech falls to 6-1.
The game began cautiously in the first period. Stephen Rusnak opened the scoring for the home team with a 47-yard field goal, giving Cincinnati a 3-0 lead. However, the Red Raiders responded quickly. Stone Harrington kicked two field goals of his own, including a 48-yarder late in the quarter, to put Texas Tech ahead 6-3 heading into halftime.
French IV Takes Control
The momentum shifted entirely in the second period. French IV connected with Cole Tabb on a 4-yard touchdown pass, followed by strikes to Malachi Henry (5 yards) and Lyviel Waters (2 yards). With each conversion successful, Cincinnati built a commanding 24-6 lead entering the third quarter.
Texas Tech attempted to mount a comeback in the middle frame. Harrington added another field goal from 42 yards out, narrowing the gap to 24-9. The Red Raiders’ defense then provided a critical spark when Peyton Morgan intercepted a pass and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown, though the subsequent two-point conversion failed. This brought Texas Tech within six points at 24-15.
Cincinnati answered firmly in the second half. French IV completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Larenzo Fenner, restoring the seven-point margin at 31-15. Harrington kicked a 33-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to make it 31-18, but the Bearcats’ offense closed out the game effectively.
