CINCINNATI (AP) – Bearcats quarterback Zach Collaros is two weeks ahead of schedule in his recovery from a broken right ankle, leaving Cincinnati hopeful that he could play in the Liberty Bowl.

Coach Butch Jones said on Tuesday that Collaros might be able to resume throwing during practice next week. The senior broke his ankle during a loss to West Virginia on Nov. 12 and had a plate and two screws inserted.

The Bearcats finished 9-3 and won a share of the Big East title behind sophomore quarterback Munchie Legaux (luh-GO'). They play Vanderbilt in the Liberty Bowl on Dec. 31.

Collaros has been getting treatment and attending practice, helping Legaux prepare for the last three games.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.