Gunner Kiel Dominates in College Football Debut

Sep 12, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Gunner Kiel (11) looks to pass during the third quarter against the Toledo Rockets at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

If college football fans in the midwest know anything about Gunner Kiel, it’s that the quarterback is full of potential, and the potential to surprise. On Friday, Kiel made good in both areas as he shredded the Toledo Rockets in his debut for the Cincinnati Bearcats, passing for six touchdowns and 418 yards

That Kiel is even on the Riverfront still has to be viewed as something of a surprise.

After all, three years ago Kiel shocked most observers when he committed to his home-state Indiana Hoosiers. This move was to mark the upswing of the IU program and maybe catapult them into Big Ten contention.

Uh, no.

Just six months later, Kiel switched his commitment to the LSU Tigers.

That didn’t stick, either.

After exchanging flirtations with Nick Saban, Kiel ended up at Notre Dame, but when he wasn’t named the starter, he pouted and then transferred, finally, to UC.

After much speculation before the 2014 schedule began, Bearcats coach Tommy Tuberville finally named Kiel his provisional starter last week. With three QBs in the mix, Kiel would have to prove himself against Toledo.

While no one claims the Rockets as a national powerhouse, Kiel did all he was supposed to do and more in racking up a 97.2 QBR and setting the FBS record for a passer in his first game.

Was it a surprising performance?

Sure it was, but we really shouldn’t be shocked by anything Kiel does at this point.