UC Quarterback Gunner Kiel Shines In Cincinnati Bearcats Spring Game

Sep 14, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Tommy Tuberville reacts after a touchdown during the 1st quarter of the game against the Northwestern State Demons at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

Remember to like Cincy on the Prowl on Facebook and follow Cincy on the Prowl on Twitter.

It’s a little to early to tell. In fact, it’s way too early to tell. But by the looks of it Gunner Kiel has given us an indication that he could become yet another extremely proficient Cincinnati quarterback. The Notre Dame transfer completed 17 out of 22 passes for 300 hundred yards and three touchdowns today in the UC spring game at Paul Brown Stadium. Another drive led to a field goal. It would be impressive enough if this performance was against the Bearcats’ 2nd team defense, as originally planned. Instead Kiel put up those numbers against Cincinnati’s projected starters on that side of the ball. This was a stark turnaround from UC’s scrimmage last Sunday in which the sophomore quarterback completed just 9 of 20 passes for 44 yards.

To be clear, this performance by Kiel is encouraging but certainly brings up questions about a defense that lost basically everyone at defensive tackle and in the secondary to graduation. Additionally, two rotational defensive ends were missing today due to injury. The fact that they allowed 24 points in a shortened first half is definitely concerning. But maybe it was just the offense’s day who seemed to do no wrong at the team’s spring game and exacted some revenge from the previous Sunday. Who knows. At the very least today’s scrimmage gave the coaches plenty to review over the Summer as they prepare for their home opener against the Toledo Rockets on September 12th.