Gunner Kiel Remains Cincinnati’s Starting QB

Quarterback Gunner Kiel was widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation coming out of high school. Still, after one season as a member of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, he found himself behind three different quarterbacks and ultimately transferred to his current home, the Cincinnati Bearcats. There has been highs and lows during his time as Bearcat, but Kiel earned the top spot on the depth chart and has done everything in his power to stay there.

Over the first seven games, Kiel has thrown for 2,049 yards and 20 touchdowns to just six interceptions. In the process, the Bearcats have accumulated a 4-3 record with their most recent win against South Florida, 34-17. During that game, Kiel appeared to have re-injured his ribs- an injury that originally occurred during the third game of the season- and missed the entire second half. His replacement, Munchie Legaux, completed 14-of-15 passes and rushed for a touchdown. This was Legaux’s first touchdown since enduring a serious knee injury in September of 2013 which lead to a bit of a quarterback controversy.

Head coach Tommy Tuberville made it very clear that Kiel is his guy heading into Saturday’s contest against Tulane, but Legaux will see time as well. Legaux is a Louisiana native and is making his return to his home state. It would be a nice touch to his comeback season. Nonetheless, expect Kiel to carry much of the offensive load in Saturday’s game against the Green Wave.

The Bearcats have a long way to go if they hope to become bowl eligible for the fourth consecutive season. They will need to secure at least two wins in the team’s final five games. This includes a matchup with No. 23 East Carolina, as well as four much easier games against Tulane, Connecticut, Temple and Houston respectively.  Cincinnati should be primed for one of the premier bowls the Atlantic Athletic Conference has to offer.

 

*Section Photo credit to Andy Lyons, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Robert Mayer, USA Today Sports. 

Why Notre Dame Belongs At No. 10
Why Notre Dame Belongs At No. 10