CINCINNATI — Cincinnati's upset of No. 8 Texas Tech continues to earn national recognition, with running back Cole Tabb and defensive back MJ Cannon both receiving national player of the week honors Tuesday.
Tabb was named the Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week, while Cannon earned Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week honors. Both players were instrumental in Cincinnati's 37-24 victory Saturday at Nippert Stadium.
Tabb rushed for a career-high 173 yards on 16 carries, averaging 10.8 yards per attempt. He scored two touchdowns, including a 58-yard run in the fourth quarter that helped put the game out of reach.
The performance marked Tabb's second consecutive 100-yard rushing game and made him the first opposing running back to reach 100 yards against Texas Tech since November 2024. His fourth-quarter touchdown was also the first rushing score the Red Raiders had allowed this season.
"Cole Tabb had a Cole Tabb day," Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield said after the victory. "He's been doing it week in and week out."
Cannon made his presence felt on the other side of the ball, forcing a fumble on Texas Tech's opening offensive possession that Antwan Peek Jr. recovered. He later intercepted a pass in the second quarter, helping set up another Cincinnati touchdown before halftime.
The performance made Cannon just the third player in Cincinnati history to receive Walter Camp National Player of the Week recognition, joining Desmond Ridder and Jarell White, who both earned the honor in 2020.
Tabb and Cannon had already been recognized by the Big 12 on Monday, earning the conference's Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week awards, respectively.
The individual honors add to the momentum surrounding Cincinnati following one of its biggest victories in two decades. The Bearcats improved to 5-2 and now face another major challenge Saturday when No. 6 Utah visits Nippert Stadium.
A second consecutive victory over a Top 10 opponent would give Cincinnati another major win as it attempts to climb back into the Big 12 championship race.
