Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt: 7 Best Matchups of the 2011 Liberty Bowl

Based on records, it may seem like Cincinnati would be the favorite heading into the Liberty Bowl against Vanderbilt, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

Despite their 6-6 record, the Vanderbilt Commodores are a slight favorite against the 9-3 Cincinnati Bearcats, and the main reason for that is the schedule they have played this season.

Vanderbilt was 4-0 in non-conference play and 2-6 in the SEC.

They played in the nation's toughest conference and are as battle-tested as anybody.

The Liberty Bowl not only pits the Big East against the SEC, but there are also some intriguing matchups within the game.

Here are the seven biggest matchups of the Liberty Bowl.

Cincinnati quarterback Zach Collaros loves to create time with his feet, and the Vanderbilt defensive line will have the unenviable task of trying to slow him down.

Collaros is coming off a broken ankle and has not played since he suffered the injury on November 12.

The Commodores defensive line will have to try and do a good job of not only containing Collaros, but also trying to wear him down and test out his ankle.

If the line can get pressure on Collaros and hit him a few times, that ankle could be hurting him rather quickly, which would give Vanderbilt a decided advantage.

Vanderbilt star running back Zac Stacy has been impressive all season and when he takes the field in the Liberty Bowl, he will be going up against the sixth-ranked rush defense in the country.

Cincinnati allows just over 93 yards rushing a game, and Stacy has rushed for over 1,100 yards on the season.

He will be looking to help Vanderbilt control the ball and keep it out of the hands of the Cincinnati offense.

The Cincinnati defensive line has been a force all season, led by all-American tackle Derek Wolfe.

He is in the top 15 in the nation in sacks and ranks sixth in tackles for loss.

Not bad stats for an interior lineman.

The Vanderbilt offensive line will have to do a good job of keeping Wolfe, along with ends Walter Stewart and Dan Giordano, out of the backfield in order for them to give quarterback Jordan Rodgers time to find open receivers.

This bowl game pits two of the best running backs in the country in Isaiah Pead and Zac Stacy.

Both are over 1,100 yards on the season, and both average well over five yards a carry.

Vanderbilt likes to control the game with the run, and Cincinnati does whatever they can to get the ball into the hands of Isaiah Pead.

Whichever running back can help his team control the ball and time possession will likely lead his team to victory.

Two of the better young head coaches in college football will be on display for the Liberty Bowl as Cincinnati head coach Butch Jones will be playing in his fourth and biggest bowl game yet.

Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin is in his first season as a head coach.

Both coaches are around the age of 40 and have bright futures, as do their respective programs.

The game will not only come down to who has a better game plan, but also who can adjust better as the game progresses.

Cincinnati had trouble all season filling Nippert Stadium, but has managed to sell over 10,000 tickets for the Liberty Bowl.

Vanderbilt, on the other hand, will be playing in-state in what is virtually a home game for them.

The Commodores are certain to have more than enough fans representing them at the game.

The Bearcats fan base will have to try to be loud and make the Bearcats feel like they are playing at home.

The quarterback battle is always a big one no matter what game it is, and the Liberty Bowl is no different. 

Vanderbilt quarterback Jordan Rodgers will have to try and avoid turnovers against a Cincinnati defense that feasts on them.

Cincinnati quarterback Zach Collaros will try to hit some big plays down the field and would like to keep the game moving at a fast pace.

Collaros will likely have better numbers in this one no matter what, but Rodgers will have to try to keep the ball out of the hands of the Cincinnati offense.