Cole Tabb didn’t just play well, he absolutely dominated #8 Texas Tech, tearing up the field for 173 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The junior transfer from Stanford dropped his name into Cincinnati lore, powering the Bearcats to a massive 37-24 upset win over a Top 10 team, their first since 2021 against Notre Dame. This wasn’t just another game; it was UC’s biggest win under head coach Scott Satterfield since they knocked off #14 Iowa State last season.
The Tabb-ulator Just Blew Up the Red Raiders
Tabb was unstoppable. His first score, a four-yard pass from JC French IV, gave UC their initial lead at 10-6. But he wasn’t done. With just over six minutes left on the clock, he absolutely iced the game, busting out for a ridiculous 58-yard touchdown run that pushed the Bearcats up 37-18. That run sealed the deal and cemented his place as a game-changer. His 173-yard performance was his best of the season and his third game over 100 rushing yards. Against Texas Tech, he averaged an insane 10.8 yards per carry, showing he wasn’t just getting short gains, he was ripping off huge chunks of yardage.
From Backfield Battle to Bell Cow Status
This monster performance from Tabb comes at a critical time for Cincinnati. Starting running back Gi’Bran Payne had been leading the backfield but left the West Virginia game early. Payne had put up 418 yards this season with three 100-plus-yard games himself. But with Payne sidelined, Tabb stepped up in a major way. He’s now got 448 yards for the season, which is three more than his entire total last season at Stanford, and he’s averaging an impressive 8.1 yards per carry overall. Coach Satterfield has been clear about his philosophy, saying, “You start playing games; whoever makes more plays is going to get more playing time.” And Tabb? Satterfield pointed out, “Cole Tabb’s made a lot of plays in the last seven games.” That’s an understatement, isn’t it? He’s taken the reins in the backfield over the last two games, proving he’s the guy to lean on.
What does this mean for Cincinnati moving forward? Tabb is no longer just part of a running back rotation; he’s the focal point. With this kind of production, he’s earned the right to carry the rock, and if he keeps performing like this, the Bearcats could be a serious problem for anyone left on their schedule.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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