Liberty Bowl: Latest News, Notes and Analysis for Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt

Kickoff for the 2011 edition of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl is now less than 24 hours away and with the media scrutiny surrounding this game, there is always breaking news.

A lot has happened both on and off the field in the last few days that will affect the outcome of the game.

Here is a recap of the past week and a look ahead to the game, with the latest news and notes from Memphis.

Collaros Will Play

The Cincinnati Bearcats got the news they were expecting and looking for on Thursday when head coach Butch Jones announced after the team's final practice that injured quarterback Zach Collaros would be healthy enough to return to the starting lineup.

That is a huge boost both emotionally and on the field for Cincinnati.

Collaros is the heart and soul of the team. Having him on the field in the biggest game he has ever started is more than Cincinnati could ask for.

Vanderbilt Bloodlines

Vanderbilt junior quarterback Jordan Rodgers stepped into the starting role midway through the season and has improved steadily as the year has progressed.

Something many people may not know is that he is the younger brother of Aaron Rodgers, possibly the best quarterback on the planet.

While big brother is certainly concentrating on the upcoming NFL playoffs, his younger brother is playing in the biggest game of his life.

One thing is for sure, the bloodlines are as good as it gets.

Best Buy Shopping Spree

One of the many perks players receive for qualifying to a bowl game is some nice free prizes.

This year, the Liberty Bowl gave out $200 Best Buy shopping sprees to all of the players and coaches from both teams.

Those players spent a good part of Thursday spending that money and enjoying themselves two days before the big game.

Ticket Sales

Tickets sales for this game have slowed down since starting fast.

The Bearcats have sold just over 10,000 tickets through their ticket office, and the Commodores have sold 14,000.

The 61,000-seat stadium may not be full, but with the amount of local fans that could head to the game to see an in-state team in Vanderbilt, the stadium should be relatively full by the start of the game.

Point Spread

The line opened up with Vanderbilt as a 2.5-point favorite and the spread has since dropped to 1.5, possibly with the announcement that Zach Collaros will be playing.

Either way, this game looks like it will be close throughout.

Both teams are relatively evenly matched and it could come down to who can come up with a big play at the end of the game.