Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line & More for Liberty Bowl

The Cincinnati Bearcats battle the Vanderbilt Commodores in a Big East-SEC battle in the Liberty Bowl. This game should mark the return of Zach Collaros, the Bearcats senior QB, who missed most of the season with a broken ankle. 

Where: Memphis, TN

When: Saturday December 31, 3:30 PM ET

Watch: ABC and ESPN 3

Listen: WLW 700 AM (Cincinnati) and WRQQ 97.1 FM (Vanderbilt)

Betting Line: Vanderbilt (-2) According to oddshark.com

Key Storyline: The Quarterbacks

The best stories in this contest are centered around the QBs. Will Collaros play for the Bearcats, with a chance to impress scouts before the Senior Bowl. Will Jordan Rodgers, the younger brother of Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers make a little noise himself on New Year's Eve.

Who Might Not Play: Cincinnati - QB Zach Collaros

The Cincy signal caller may be a day before decision, if he can't go, backup QB and converted receiver, Munchie Legeaux will start again.

Legeaux was adequate in Collaros' stead, as he lead the team to a Big East title over UConn. I suspect Collaros will play, if it's humanly possible. He is tough, and the emotional leader of the Bearcats' team.

Plus he is the type of QB that needs the Bowl spotlight to improve his professional football future.

Who Might Not Play: Vanderbilt - RB Warren Norman

Norman is one of the Commodores backup RBs. He adds depth a change of pace behind the starter Zac Stacy, but he will likely miss the game with a bad knee. Vandy should be able to navigate this loss without a problem

What They're Saying

Jordan Rodgers' ascent to the starting job at Vanderbilt has been a bit rocky, it has seen it's share of setbacks. He talked about a few those instances in a interview with the Tennessean:

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“I was competing for the job the first four games or so (in junior college) and ended up taking over our first conference game,” Rodgers said. “Same kind of situation. That kind of helped me transition to this year with not being the starter off the bat.”

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Cincinnati Head Coach Butch Jones had this to say about Collaros availability:

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“All signs lead toward him starting, but right now it’s not definite. We’ll know more with Zach on Wednesday or Thursday, He’s looked good."

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Cincinnati Player to Watch: Zach Collaros

The Bearcats had found a rhythm with Legaux, Coach Jones must hope his team is able to recapture the feel of playing with Collaros. The two QBs are very different style players. Collaros is a pocket passer, while Legaux is a mobile dual-threat. How the team responds will be key.

Vanderbilt Player to Watch: Zac Stacy

It is important that the Commodores establish a running game with Stacy early. This will take some of the pressure off of Rodgers, and allow the Commodores to explore play action down the field.

Key Matchup: Cincinnati's Front Seven vs. Zac Stacy

If the Bearcats can control the line of scrimmage, they can turn the Commodores into a one-dimensional, pass attack. That will leave Rodgers very few passing lanes, as the Bearcats will use zone coverages with the secondary and interior linebackers.

Prediction: Vanderbilt 28, Cincinnati 24

This should be an excellent game. I believe Collaros will play, and play well, but Rodgers will make more plays, especially with his feet. Rodgers throws for two TDs and runs for another to pull out a close victory.