Despite taking the initial first-team reps from the start of spring ball through fall camp, the starting quarterback spot for Cincinnati still might not be locked down for Gunner Kiel. Head coach Tommy Tuberville still has not committed to Kiel as “the guy,” despite saying he has been ahead all along, and said on his radio show last night that the quarterback competition remains open and closer than most think.
According to Cincinnati Enquirer beat reporter Tom Groeschen, Tuberville said all three of his quarterbacks (Kiel, Munchie Legaux and Jarred Evans) will play in the opener against Toledo.
Tuberville on radio show says all 3 QBs will play in opener. Still won't name starter but said Kiel was ahead. #Bearcats
— Tom Groeschen (@TomGroeschen) September 5, 2014
Tuberville also addressed his team’s kicking and punting situation on the radio show, saying that the competition will remain open at those spots as well.
Tuberville said also he will go week to week with kickers/punters, for now. Competition continues. #Bearcats
— Tom Groeschen (@TomGroeschen) September 4, 2014
UC’s special teams struggles from last season are well-documented, so I would not be surprised at all if Tuberville has any of his kickers or punters on a short leash. However, the old adage about quarterbacks is that if you have two, you have none, and right now Tuberville claims to have three.
At this point it’s hard to tell if this is simply a coaching strategy to keep pushing his young, presumed starter in Kiel, or if the fact a starter has yet to be named means nobody is separating from the pack. This is certainly a story to watch as many, including me, predicted Kiel to be the starter and have a breakout season.
Next Friday certainly will be interesting to see how Tuberville uses his quarterbacks between who gets the start and what the splits in number of plays and situations turn out to be.
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