Cincinnati to start Gunner Kiel at QB vs. East Carolina

Having entered the season as Cincinnati's third-string quarterback, Gunner Kiel will regain his starting job for Saturday's matchup with East Carolina.

Head coach Tommy Tuberville broke the news on his weekly radio show, reports Tom Groeschen of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Kiel started for the Bearcats in each of the past two seasons, throwing for a combined 6,031 yards and 50 touchdowns, before Hayden Moore took over this year.

Moore has battled injuries all season, with freshman Ross Trail starting in his absence. Both quarterbacks have struggled, combining for 10 interceptions, compared to 8 touchdowns.

Moore returned last week against UConn, but couldn't move the offense as the Bearcats scored just 9 points in a loss.

Kiel was one of the nation's top-rated recruits in the class of 2012, initially committing to Notre Dame before transferring to Cincinnati.