JC French on Cincinnati Bearcats Upset Win Over Texas Tech

JC, was there a point early in the second quarter, first quarter had to be frustrating. Was there a point early in the second quarter where you could kind of feel like you guys were figuring out what they were doing to try to stop you and then things opened up? Yeah, yeah, I think, you know, we had a bunch of three and outs today. But once we got that first first down, we were kind of rolling, you know, just getting in a rhythm. You know, obviously that first quarter was tough getting all those three and outs. But I think, you know, just we keep getting those first downs and stay on track. You know, good things happen for us. How does it feel to be JC French out in the middle of the crowd when they all rush on the field and you're the Hero of the day pretty crazy. Honestly, you know, it's everything you dream of as a kid, which is super cool And yeah, I mean the fans are unbelievable. So so thankful for them showing out today That student section was unbelievable. You know, I really think they helped us get this this huge win today So, you know all love to the fans. How much pride did you take in? responding after the interceptions and especially that kind of layered throw to Malachi in the back of the end zone how good did that yeah felt great you know we we preach respond like you said um you know next play mentality you know obviously those two picks sucked um but you know it's it's just finding a way to keep going find a way to get the job done um you know whatever it looks like we can coach off so uh learn off this film um tomorrow and you know just just happy to get this W You hear a lot of talk about what Nippert is like when it's at its absolute best. What was that fourth quarter like? Could you hear anything on the sidelines? I mean, the student section was outstanding as Texas Tech was driving into them. Absolutely. I know I was just thinking to myself, this would suck if this was an away game. You know, obviously it's hard playing, hard playing here. And, you know, like I said, credit to the fans. They're unbelievable. They really showed out today. You know, helped us a ton on third downs. and stuff like that, so, you know, very thankful for them. A lot of back and forth between both programs during the offseason for different reasons. How much were you able to use motivation of probably not being really given a chance today to help get this win? You know, I think, you know, all that stuff is just a lot of media type stuff. I don't focus on, you know, all that jazz. You know, I just like playing with my guys. You know, I think this was an unbelievable win for this whole program. You know, I'm super happy for the defense. You know, they really came to play today. So, you know, I think they did an unbelievable job in the O-line. You know, they continue to move people, to make big, huge gaps for Coltab. And Coltab's unbelievable. So, glad he's on our side. Did it feel different during the week? Did it feel like there was a confidence that maybe wasn't felt the rest of the season that you guys are going to win this game? 100%. You know, I think we all had a chip on our shoulder coming from that West Virginia game. You know, it was a heartbreaker, obviously. But, you know, I think this team responded exactly how I knew we were going to. You know, like Coach said, this team's mature. You know, everybody has the same mentality. So, you know, I think we did an unbelievable job of practice. Game plan-wise, you know, I think the coaches did an unbelievable job putting a game plan together, and we went out there and executed, which is, you know, ultimately what you want. So we just got to keep that going in conference play. Tarantayo goes down, and Edgington comes in, and that affects maybe nobody more than you. and so what was did you notice anything different back there how was that working with Edgington instead of Tarantayo today yeah honestly not not really you know with that o-line group you know they're all just so talented there's not much fall off and for Grant to come in the game and step up the way he did you know it just shows you what what kind of player he is what kind what kind of dude you know he comes in he's the backup center but he comes in and works like the starting center every day so you know i'm super happy for him the way he played the way he handled the whole situation on Tabs last touchdown is that something that you see pre-snap like did did you have a feeling there was going to be maybe you don't see him going all the way to the house but you have a feeling that side's open we we've got an advantage here yeah um you know obviously you can see a bunch of guys in the boundary be like okay this thing might cut back um and you know it's my job to hold that defense lineman from not tackling him so you know he did a great job of pressing it and kind of kind of cutting it so that d lineman couldn't get him what's the feeling of having that guy back there, number three, Tab, where you can just get out of a jam and flip it to him, and he could be off for 50 yards and save you. Helps your stats a lot, too. Absolutely. You know, it makes my job a whole lot easier, you know, having a guy like him. And, you know, he deserves everything that's coming to him. He comes in, he's the hardest worker every day. You know, he's really a leader in that running back room and on this team. So you're going to see him grow ever since he got here. You know, everything coming to him, he deserves 100%. Perry did a good job stepping in for Javon being out. What did that mean to you guys? Cole popping big runs as well, but just to have somebody that can give him a break and be able to make great plays as well. Yeah, meant a ton to this offense. I think he ran violent today, which is huge. We pride ourselves on being a hard-nosed football team. Obviously, Cole runs hard, Javon runs hard, and you know Xylan. I think he did an unbelievable job today coming in and setting the tone exactly what we're trying to get at on offense. As someone who goes against them every day, can you explain why the corners and the safeties have been so good this season? They've had a few bad ones mixed in there, but they've been pretty dominant all through the season. I think it all has to do with their communication. You know, they're very close off the field, and, you know, you can tell it matters to them. You know, they're older guys, but they're smart. They play a lot of ball. And you can tell in the facility that they're getting there early, you know, going over the game plan, doing extra walk-throughs, getting extra work with each other. So, you know, I'm not surprised at all that they play the way they do on Saturdays because, you know, they deserve all of it. What's your history as an option quarterback? Not much, to be honest with you. What's it like getting out there on the edge and being under the gun to get that flip out of there? Yeah, I mean, it's something I haven't done much before, but, you know, we have a lot of banked reps at it this past spring and, you know, fall and all that. So, you know, you obviously have to be able to move a little bit and coach that offense. So, you know, it's nice to have that in our bag. Was that something you knew coming into today was going to be in the game plan because of how good they are at the point of attack with their defensive tackle and linebackers? Correct, yeah. It is something that we talked about this week, you know, something we can get to. And, you know, just got to go out there and execute it. Career-high yards for you last week, career-high touchdowns for you today as far as passing touchdowns. Obviously this memory is going to live with you a little bit longer, but remembering the two games for different reasons which one do you think is going to just pop back in your head over the course of the season this one no question you know just the way our team bounced back and responded from last week is you know just should tell you everything you know it starts with coach satterfield and goes down you know they do an unbelievable job getting us ready for games um you know i'm just so happy that we're able to get this for our fans um and for our program um you know it was a huge one you're gonna have a cheeseburger a couple sliders too. I believe I will. Maybe a whole pizza.