2011 Liberty Bowl Overview
2011 Liberty Bowl Overview
Cincinnati and Nashville aren’t that far away from each other on a
map, but it’s been nearly 20 years since Vanderbilt has played
Cincinnati on the footbal field. This year’s AutoZone Liberty Bowl
allows these two teams to get re-aquainted on a neutral field, though
the Commodores have the luxury of playing in their home state.
The last time these teams met was back in 1994, with Vandy posting a
34-24 win at Cincinnati. In 1993, Vandy posted 17-7 home win in
Nashville. The last Cincinnati win came in 1976 at home, 33-7.
The latest Liberty Bowl odds list Vanderbilt as a 3-point favorite and show the total has been set for 48 points.
Cincinnati
The Bearcats were one of three co-Big East regular season champions, ending the season with a 5-2 record in league play. Cincy roared to a 7-1 start, thank in part to a 6-game winning streak, before dropping two straight, then finishing the season with a pair of conference victories. The’Cats were 4-2 away from home this season.
The Bearcats rank a solid 20th nationally in scoring defense (20
points per game) and surrenders 370 yards of offense per game (270
passing, 100 rushing) while compiling 38 sacks and forcing 27 turnovers
four of which have been returned for touchdowns (J.K. Schaffer and
Maalik Bomar, fumbles; Camerron Cheatham and Dominique Battle,
interceptions).
Schaffer leads the unit with 94 tackles (31 more than anyone else),
adding 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and two
recoveries, while Derek Wolfe has seven sacks, 54 tackles, two forced
fumbles and two recoveries. Walter Steward has three forced fumbles and
Deven Drane has three interceptions.
Offensively, the Bearcats rank 28th in the nation in scoring (33 ppg)
while racking up 393 yards per game (218 passing, 175 rushing). Zach
Collaros completes 63 percent of his passes for 1.860 yards and 14
touchdowns with eight interceptions. The offensive line has allowed 16
sacks.
Kenbrell Thompkins and Anthony McClung pace the receiving corps with
84 combined catches for 1,069 yards and five TDs, while Isaiah Pead
anchors the running game with 1,042 yards and 11 touchdowns on 5.6 yards
per carry.
Vanderbilt
It’s been an up-and-down season for Vanderbilt, who opened the season
3-0 before losing five of their next six and then winning
three-straight to end the season and finish bowl-eligible, despite a 2-6
record in SEC play. It is worth noting that four of their losses game
against teams currently in the top-25. The Commodores were just 1-4 in
road games this season, but did earn a 5-3 record in their home state of
Tennessee, where this game will be played..
Vandy ranks 27th nationally in scoring defense (21 ppg) and allows
325 yards per game (202 passing, 123 rushing) while recording 24 sacks
and forcing 27 turnovers four of which were returned for TDs (Trey
Wilson, Casey Hayward and Archibald Barnes, four interceptions).
Chris Marve leads the way with 84 tackles (26 more than anyone else)
with a sack, a forced fumble and an interception, while Tim Fugger leads
the team with 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles to go with 29 tackles.
Hayward has five interceptions and Barnes has three forced fumbles.
On offense, Vandy ranks 61st nationally in points scored (27 ppg)
while recording 343 yards per game (175 passing, 168 rushing). Zac Stacy
anchors the running game with 1,136 yards and 13 TDs on 6.2 yards per
carry.
Jordan Rodgers completes 51 percent of his passes for 1,498 yards and
nine TDs with nine INTs. The offensive line has allowed 26 sacks.
Jordan Matthews is the top receiver with 37 receptions for 722 yards and
five TDs, while Chris Boyd has 29 catches for 4-4 yards and seven
scores.
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