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BYU vs Cincinnati: Will Tanner Mangum face Gunner Kiel?

By Tanner Sperry

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The Cincinnati Bearcats and BYU Cougars could each play two quarterbacks at some point in tonight’s game in Provo.

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Gunner Kiel, Cincinnati’s starting quarterback to start the season, suffered a head injury against Memphis a few weeks back to open the door for Hayden Moore who has played well in relief, including a big win against Miami.

Even in the loss to  Memphis, Moore passed for 557 yards and four touchdowns in a close 53-46 loss, but with Kiel has since improved his condition and could take the field as the starter for the Bearcats. Kiel is cleared to return to the field but Bearcats head coach Tommy Tuberville was non-committal about who would start for Cincinnati against BYU.

Meanwhile, the Cougars have some questions of their own at the quarterback position. Tanner Mangum, who is already filling in for Taysom Hill, strained his hamstring against ECU last week and could be slowed vs Cincinnati. . Should he miss any plays, Beau Hoge will be the one to take the field, but he was only 1 of 5 for nine yards and an interception against ECU.

While this is a home game for BYU, I’m not sure they’re going to be a very heavy favorite. Cincinnati’s high powered offense should be able to move the ball. If BYU’s defense can limit Cincinnati to field goals and force turnovers, the Cougars should be able to take this.

However, I think Mangum needs to be able to play at least at a 90 percent level to pull off another win. Also, BYU hasn’t gone undefeated at home in a season since 2008. That being said, I pick Cincinnati to win a close one 31-26.

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