Missouri vs. Vanderbilt Prediction, Game Preview


Missouri vs. Vanderbilt prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the SEC East matchup between the Tigers and Commodores.


Missouri vs. Vanderbilt Game Preview

When: Saturday, November 12 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Faurot Field, Columbia, MO
TV Broadcast: SEC Network

It has been a rough first year for Barry Odom as the head coach of the Tigers, with Missouri falling to 2-7, including 0-5 in SEC play, after a 31-21 loss to South Carolina this past Saturday. Quarterback Drew Lock threw for 302 yards and a touchdown, but was intercepted twice in the loss.

Vanderbilt came close to pulling the upset at Auburn in a 23-16 defeat with quarterback Kyle Shurmur having a good game, throwing for 221 yards and a touchdown but throwing an interception that killed the Commodores’ comeback hopes.

What To Know About Missouri

Lock has been solid at quarterback this season, but going against a Vanderbilt defense will be a tough task. The sophomore has thrown for 2,517 yards and 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions. Getting a rushing effort from running back Damarea Crockett will help balance the Tigers offense.

The defense has been a mess for Missouri, which ranks 116th in the nation in total defense, allowing 470.3 yards per game and 30.4 points per game. The rush defense (232.67 yards per game) will be challenged by Vanderbilt running back Ralph Webb.

What to Know About Vanderbilt

Shurmur had a good day against Auburn, but expect him to play even better against this porous Missouri defense. Webb will be able to open up the passing lanes with his run game, giving Shurmur plenty of time to find his receivers.

The heart and soul of the Vanderbilt defense is Zach Cunningham, who could very well win the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He’s a freak of an athlete – check out his blocked field goal against Auburn where he jumped off the offensive line – and a sure tackler.

Advantages

Offense: Tie. If Lock cuts down on the interceptions, he could be a star for the Tigers.

Defense: Vanderbilt. Some lucky NFL team will get Cunningham next season.

Special Teams: Vanderbilt. The Tigers are just 5-for-10 on field goal attempts this season.

Coaching: Vanderbilt. Winning at Vanderbilt is a tough job. Derek Mason is on the cusp of that.

Intangibles: Vanderbilt. Two more wins and a bowl appearance is in the cards for the ‘Dores.

Matchup To Watch

Zach Cunningham vs. Missouri offensive line

Cunningham is a force at all times. Keeping him away from Lock and the running backs will be a tall task.

Missouri vs. Vanderbilt Betting Odds

Spread: Missouri -3.5
Over/Under: 52.5

Missouri vs. Vanderbilt Prediction

Will Missouri have pride and play for each other after such a struggle of a season? This is a winnable game for the Tigers, but they must not have already given up. That is a test for Barry Odom. Vanderbilt has the momentum and more to play for with a bowl game in its plans. The Commodores defense will dominate and Ralph Webb will be able to gash through Missouri for a big game and a fifth win on the season.

Missouri vs. Vanderbilt Score Prediction: Vanderbilt 28, Missouri 20

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