Cincinnati Bearcats Football: 2015 Season Preview

Dec 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Gunner Kiel (11) drops back to pass against the Houston Cougars during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Breakdown

Let’s starts with the best news. Gunner Kiel is back. Gunner Kiel is a superstar. Gunner Kiel might be the best quarterback in college football, and that is not an exaggeration.

Kiel last year threw for 3,254 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions while completing nearly 60 percent of his passes. Those are good numbers. His potential, though, is great. If he can stay healthy, he will be the guy to lead the team this year, and everything will revolve around him.

Kiel’s weapons include a cast of six senior wide receivers, as the seven leading receivers from last year’s team are all back. This includes Shaq Washington and Mekale McKay, each of whom racked up more than 700 yards receiving last year, and it also includes Chris Moore, who had more than 600 yards receiving.

The running game should not take much of a hit with Rod Moore gone, as Mike Boone can just take on a heavier load after carrying the ball 101 times for 650 yards and nine touchdowns last year.

The offensive line does take a hit with the loss of All-AAC Tackle Eric Lefeld, but another First-Team All-AAC Tackler, Parker Ehinger, is back and should help offset that loss. Two more starters are back on the line as well, and Ryan Leahy has some experience as well. Somebody should emerge out of the pack of nine other linemen to take over, and there should be enough bodies there for depth.

Kicker Andrew Gantz, who has been pretty reliable after going 11 of 12 within 40 last year and five of eight beyond 40, is back this year as a sophomore and should have lots more consistency. He could be a decisive advantage at times.

After averaging 34 points a game last year, the offense overall should be even better this year, and Kiel should turn into a superstar. But will it be enough?

Next: Defensive Outlook