Those of us who watched last Thursday’s game between Cincinnati and Memphis saw an absolute barnburner. We also saw one of the scariest scenes of this young season, as Bearcats quarterback Gunner Kiel took a hit that bounced his head off the Liberty Bowl turf. He remained on the floor for some time, and then was taken away in an ambulance.
On Tuesday, Cincinnati head coach Tommy Tuberville revealed Kiel will not play in Thursday night’s date with Miami.
Tuberville said the decision is as much practical as it is precautionary. Hayden Moore played well in Kiel’s stead, completing 31-of-53 throws for 557 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
“Everything this week is built around Hayden now,"Tuberville told the Associated Press. “It would be a different offense if it was Gunner.”
Still, Tuberville insisted Kiel’s position will be available for him upon his return.
“Gunner will not lose his position because of injury,” Tuberville said. “Gunner is the best quarterback we have right now. When he comes back, he’ll be the quarterback.”
Cincinnati (2-2) expects a record crowd when Miami (3-0) rolls into the renovated Nippert Stadium Thursday.