CINCINNATI -- Brendon Kay was sharp in his return as Cincinnati's starting quarterback on Saturday night, matching his career high with four touchdown passes in a 66-9 victory over Northwestern State.

The sixth-year senior lost the starting job to Munchie Legaux after a sore passing shoulder limited him during camp and the opening week of the season. The Bearcats (2-1) beat Purdue and lost at Illinois, where Legaux tore ligaments in his left knee.

The Bearcats didn't know whether Kay would be rusty in his return. He eased any concerns for coach Tommy Tuberville's staff by completing his first eight passes and 9 of his first 10 for 175 yards and a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Kay finished 12 of 14 for 277 yards with four touchdowns, matching his total from the 48-34 Belk Bowl win over Duke last season.