TicketsCINCINNATI — Following Cincinnati’s 37-24 upset win over No. 8 Texas Tech, four weekly honors were awarded to the Bearcats by the Big 12 Conference, highlighted by running back Cole Tabb being named Offensive Player of the Week and safety MJ Cannon earning Defensive Player of the Week honors. Cincinnati also swept team line awards, capturing Offensive Line of the Week and Defensive Line of the Week honors.
Tabb posted his second consecutive 100-yard rushing performance to balance the Bearcats' attack, racking up a career-high 173 yards on 16 carries. His performance featured an electric 58-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to secure the victory, which marked the first rushing touchdown surrendered by Texas Tech all season. Tabb also hauled in a 4-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter for his fourth multi-score game of the year.
Entering the matchup, Texas Tech had held five of its six opponents under 100 rushing yards. Tabb became the first opposing running back to cross the century mark against the Red Raiders since Jahiem White of West Virginia on Nov. 30, 2024.
Cannon delivered two pivotal forced turnovers to shift momentum in favor of Cincinnati. On Texas Tech’s opening drive, Cannon forced a fumble that was recovered by Antwan Peek Jr. Later in the second quarter, Cannon picked off a pass that led directly to a Bearcat touchdown. The performance marked Cannon’s second game of the season with both a forced fumble and an interception in the same contest, having previously accomplished the feat in Week 1 against Boston College.
The Cincinnati offensive line paved the way for a dominant 252-yard rushing performance, including 129 yards on the ground in the second quarter alone. It marked the highest rushing total allowed by Texas Tech since Baylor ran for 255 yards on Oct. 19, 2024. Backup center Grant Edgington stepped in seamlessly following an injury to starter Taran Tyo, anchoring a unit that kept the offense moving without missing a beat.
Defensively, the Bearcat front controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the afternoon. After being outgained 106-31 in the opening quarter, the defensive line spearheaded a turnaround that held Texas Tech to just 47 yards of total offense in the second quarter while Cincinnati compiled 200 yards to take control.
The defensive front recorded four team sacks and forced three turnovers, holding Texas Tech to 3-of-15 on third down conversion attempts, including an 0-for-6 mark in the second half. Edge rusher Patrick Bauer led the pass rush with 2.0 sacks, while defensive lineman Elijah Gunn tallied his first career collegiate sack.