Cincinnati Bearcats Spring Game Recap

Linden Stephens runs back an interception. (Photo: The Enquirer/Tony Jones)

Saturday afternoon saw the Cincinnati Bearcats football team take to the field for their final spring practice and their annual spring game. The only difference this season is the game was held at Paul Brown Stadium instead of the traditional Nippert Stadium.

In front of a decent sized crown Bearcats fans got their first look at new quarterback Gunner Kiel and Jarred Evans. Both quarterbacks looked solid on Saturday as Kiel led the first team offense and Evans led the second team offense. Kiel showed off his arm strength early throw a deep pass to Chris Moore that awed fans and brought a round of applause.

Kiel a sophomore, sat out the 2013 season following his transfer from Notre Dame. Now at Cincinnati he is expected to lead the Bearcats this fall. Head coach Tommy Tuberville let it be know last week he was not happy with the offense following their spring practices. After Sunday he should be much happier. Kiel went 17-22 and 300 yards as well as a rushing touchdown.

“Last week we were just awful on offense, but today we made plays. Gunner with 300 yards, that’s a pretty good day. We caught the ball better today too” said Tuberville to the Cincinnati Enquire following the Bearcats spring game.

Jarred Evans also looked impressive as the JUCO transfer led the second team offense against the first team defense. Evans went 17-30 for 172 yards, 1 touchdown and one interception. Evans and Kiel will compete for the starting job this fall.

On defense the Bearcats looked stout once again. Last season they boasted one of the best defenses in the country and the look to repeat that this season. Losing senior Greg Blair is a big loss for the Bearcats but look for Jeff Luc to step  up into his place. Luc led the team Saturday will 11 tackles including a few big hits. Mike Tyson also had the only interception for the Bearcats, look for him to lead the defensive backs this season.

Overall it was a great day for the Bearcats, there is still a lot of work to do that is for sure. The one thing everyone wondered about is how would this team rebound after last season, it appears they will rebound well. A good mix of veterans and young guys seems to be a good thing for the Bearcats.

Standing on the side line Saturday was none other than ESPN’s Mike Golic who was there to watch the practice of the team his son will hopefully be apart of this season. Jake Golic has applied for a sixth year of eligibility due to medical reasons. If Golic is granted another year he will line up at tight end for the Bearcats.

Cincinnati opens their season September 12th agains the Toledo Rockets at Paul Brown Stadium.