Cincinnati Bearcats Football: Latest Liberty Bowl News and Updates

With kickoff to the Liberty Bowl now less than three weeks away, the big question that is hanging over the University of Cincinnati is whether or not star quarterback Zach Collaros will be ready in time.

Collaros is currently recovering from a severe ankle injury suffered on November 12 against West Virginia.

Whether or not he plays will go a long way toward helping Cincinnati knock off SEC foe Vanderbilt.

He is the leader of the team and a fifth-year senior who has played in his fair share of big games over his career.

Even though he missed the better part of four games, Collaros was still named a second-team All-Big East selection this past week and is one of the most explosive players in the conference.

The team is preparing to go with Munchie Legaux under center, but anything Collaros could give them would be an added bonus.

Collaros is expected to begin throwing and running this week, so Cincinnati should have an idea of how far along he is after a few days of practice. From the Tennessean:

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“That is still a possibility that he’ll play in the bowl game,” said [Cincannati coach Butch] Jones

“He’s taken tremendous strides in the rehabilitation effort. He’s about two weeks ahead of schedule. He’s walking already. We’re hoping that by as soon as next week he may be able to start throwing and doing his drops (to pass) and participating in practice.

“It’s an ongoing process. A lot of it is outside our control. It’s just how the body heals. But there is a tremendous opportunity right now that he may be able to participate in the Liberty Bowl.”

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The Bearcats resumed practice Saturday and have now begun pregame preparations for their showdown against Vanderbilt.

Ticket sales have been going very good for Cincinnati so far, as they sold over 25 percent of their allotment within the first few days.

After sweeping the Big East awards, Cincinnati senior defensive tackle Derek Wolfe received more accolades when he was named a second-team All-America selection by Yahoo! Sports on Friday.

Wholfe will be a key for Cincinnati to stop the Vanderbilt rushing attack.

The countdown is officially on for Cincinnati as the New Year's Eve Liberty Bowl is only 20 days away.