The biggest question about the season opener Friday night is who is going to start at quarterback? We have heard all spring that Gunner Kiel was getting the reps with the first team, and that Jarred Evans and Munchie Legaux were fighting for time. The other day, Tommy Tuberville said that all 3 would play against Toledo. He was pretty much egging on the media and fans that was clamoring for some news that Coach Tuberville just doesn’t want to give.
Yesterday, all three quarterbacks did a group interview and talked about the situation. From Cincinnati.com:
Gunner Kiel
“I know it’s a competition, but all three of us have the same goal in mind and that’s to play. For us it doesn’t matter who starts, it’s who going to finish the game for us. We’re all friends, we all get along, we all watch tape. It’s all positive.”
Munchie Legaux
“We’re just anxious to get out there and play. If it’s me out there starting or it’s Gunner or it’s Jared, we’re going to support each other and help that guy that’s out there.”
Jarred Evans
“It’s been a big transition for me, coming from the junior college level to Division I. I’ve been staying in the study room, watching film and studying hard just to get on the field. From spring to fall, I think I’ve done a lot to get on the field.”
This is the type of quarterback competition the Jets would hate.
On one hand, I would be surprised if all 3 QBs played. On another, I wouldn’t be surprised if all 3 QBs played just for the sake of all 3 QBs playing. I can’t imagine anyone but Gunner Kiel starting on Friday night. Out of the 3, Kiel has the most potential and the most first team reps. He’s also got time on his side because he’s a sophomore. Kiel is the future of Cincinnati football. Gunner Kiel committing to Cincinnati seemed like the player who would define the early years of Tommy Tuberville and if they were a success or if they were less than what we were expecting. I can’t imagine that being dashed before Kiel plays his first game.
I feel like what we are getting is a veteran coach trying to keep everyone off guard until the moment he has to make a decision that he’s probably made for some time. Because that’s what is happening.
As for Toledo, they have a quarterback situation also up in the air.
#Toledo QB Philip Ely (torn ACL) probably out for year, coach Matt Campbell says on MAC conference call. Toledo plays #Bearcats on Fri.
— Tom Groeschen (@TomGroeschen) September 8, 2014
Logan Woodside replaced Ely against Missouri. Woodside was 6/12 for 52 yards in the Missouri blowout victory. The most action Woodside has seen was last year against Eastern Michigan. He went 14/24 for 185 yards and a touchdown when the starter went down early.
Both teams have questions about the QB position. Cincinnati’s are a lot clearer and optimistic. Toledo’s are hoping a sophomore can pick up live action quickly. Advantage: Cincinnati.
Headline photo via Fox Sports / Tony Tribble
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