While the mystery remains, there is some clarity when it comes to Gunner Kiel‘s postseason availability.
Kiel had not practiced with teammates at all this week as Cincinnati prepared for the Hawaii Bowl against San Diego State, with the stated reason being a “personal matter.” On Thursday, head coach Tommy Tuberville confirmed that the quarterback was still dealing with the issue and, as a result, would not play in the Dec. 24 bowl game.
“Gunner is taking care of personal problems,” Tuberville said following Thursday’s practice. “He’s asked if we can kind of recognize his privacy. He’s not off the team. He’ll be back, but I don’t know when. That’s pretty much all I can say about it.”
Kiel has been the Bearcats’ starter for most of the last two seasons, with the exception of a pair of games he missed in early October because of a head/neck injury. He’s thrown for just over 6,000 yards and 50 touchdowns the last two years.
With Kiel out, freshman Hayden Moore will get the start. Moore replaced Kiel when he was injured in the Sept. 24 loss to Memphis and threw for 557 yards in less than four quarters of work. He started the next two games in place of Kiel and passed for 498 yards combined.
