There we go, Texas Tech. That’s the new powerhouse we’ve been waiting to see flex this season.
The Red Raiders are 6-0, but for most of the year they were just okay against meh competition, other than a win over Houston, holding on thanks to a missed two-point conversion. And then it all kicked in against Arizona State in a 53-25 blowout. But now the tough part of the schedule kicks in.
Cincinnati couldn’t hang with Arizona in Tucson, suffering a 34-7 loss, and couldn’t hit the West Virginia curveball of an offense in a 45-42 loss. This is still a good team that’s been great at home, and now it gets a chance to turn the Big 12 race on its head.
Texas Tech vs Cincinnati: Quick Hits
- Cincinnati doesn’t have it any easier after this with Utah next three road games in the last four to close.
- Texas Tech has what might be its toughest game of the regular season next against Arizona, and then it goes on the road against both Oklahoma State and Baylor.
- It’s only the third game between these two. Cincinnati won 44-41 in 2024, and the two tied 10-10 to open the 1968 season.
How To Watch Texas Tech vs Cincinnati
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: FS1
Location: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
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Why Texas Tech Will Win
Arizona State is struggling, but the Texas Tech offense worked its way into midseason mode. The turnovers have chilled over the last two games, the offensive line is playing well, and Will Hammond is making the offense his.
After all of the stuff surrounding Brendan Sorsby, and with Thomas Castellanos coming in, Texas Tech kept looking for a top quarterback. Hammond has been solid, and against Arizona State, he looked like he was throwing with confidence in a terrific performance.
Now he has to go off against one of the nation’s worst pass defenses – the Bearcats are allowing close to 300 yards per game.
Why Cincinnati Will Win
Not to hammer on the guy in what would’ve been the Brendan Sorsby Game had everything gone well, but JC French IV has stepped into the Bearcat quarterbacking job and has been close to perfect for what the team needed out of him.
The veteran from Georgia Southern hasn’t thrown an interception, has taken off for six touchdown runs, and he should keep the Red Raider defense on its toes.
Texas Tech vs Cincinnati Prediction, Betting Lines
Enjoy yourself with this one.
Texas Tech has the nation’s fifth-worst pass defense, Cincinnati has the third-worst pass D – only Texas State and West Virginia are worse – and these two teams are about to crank up the yards.
Everything about this is dangerous for the Red Raiders. There will be several momentum swings and big plays, but the Bearcats will always have an answer whenever it seems like things are about to slip away.
(This has been the call all offseason, and we can’t back away now.)
Cincinnati 37, Texas Tech 34
Latest Consensus Line: Texas Tech -10.5, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 4
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.