Good news for Cincinnati: quarterback Zach Collaros will start in the Liberty Bowl against Vanderbilt on Dec. 31, coach Butch Jones confirmed after practice Thursday.
“He’s 100 percent,” Jones said. “We’re excited. He’s been battling more the flu symptoms than the ankle the last couple days. I think it’s a tribute to his hard work and efforts.”
Collaros fractured his ankle during the Nov. 12 game against West Virginia, but has been steadily returning to full health this month. Two weeks ago, Collaros returned to practice for the Bearcats, but his playing status was labeled as “50-50". With each passing day, however, Jones sounded more and more optimistic that the senior quarterback would play.
Munchie Legaux, who started the last couple of games for Cincy, would have started in Collaros’ place had he not been able to go. Cincy was preparing for the Liberty Bowl by splitting reps between Legaux and Collaros.
Collaros threw for 1,854 yards this season, with 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions.