It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the former top quarterback recruit in the country, Gunner Kiel, perform on a football field, but we got to see it once again on Friday night, and oh was it ever an impressive collegiate debut. Kiel threw for 418 yards and six touchdowns, tying a school record and the most by and QB making his FBS debut, as he and the Cincinnati Bearcats took down the Toledo Rockets, 58-34.
More from College Football
- Jim Harbaugh facing 4-game suspension over NCAA violations
- College football neutral site games in 2023: Full list
- College GameDay announces surprise Week 1 destination
- College football analyst warns Oklahoma that Texas is doing better prep for SEC
- College Football Playoff national championship game locations for 2024, 2025 and beyond
Kiel got into the groove early on in this one, showing little rust at all, firing off a 17-yard touchdown pass to Mekale McKay just under a minute into the game. A few minutes later on the team’s next drive, he found Max Morrison for a 22-yard score, his second touchdown of the quarter.
On the night, Kiel would finish 25-of-37 passing. Toledo did try and make a comeback attempt, cutting the lead to 41-34 early in the third quarter, but two more touchdown passes from Kiel, plus a field goal in the middle, would seal the deal to push the Bearcats to 1-0 on the season, as they get off to a late start in 2014.
The journey to tonight for Kiel has been a long one, with two stops along the way with LSU for a brief stint and then some time at Notre Dame. In 2012 when it was decided that Everett Golson would undoubtedly get the starting nod under center, Kiel opted to transfer once again, this time to Cincinnati where he sat out all of last season, awaiting this opportunity.
Well, as we found out on Friday night, it was definitely worth the wait and Tommy Tuberville now has a dangerous weapon on his hands under center.