Tigers’ fans can breathe a sigh of relief yet again. Missouri avoided a disastrous upset narrowly beating Vanderbilt at home on Saturday 30-27 in a double-overtime thriller. According to Fox Sports, seventh-ranked Missouri was favored by 18 over the unranked Commodores. They obviously weren’t close to covering but still managed to remain undefeated. Last week, the Tigers also squeaked out a win against 24th-ranked Boston College, so it’s becoming a trend. For a team with college football playoff aspirations, they haven’t been playing like it.
First Half
Vanderbilt struck first when quarterback Diego Pavia hit Joseph McVay for a 65-yard touchdown pass. Missouri answered back on their next possession with a 10-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass from Brady Cook to star receiver Luther Burden III. After a Vanderbilt field goal made it ten to seven, Missouri kicker Blake Craig missed a 24-yard chip shot to tie the game. He made up for it with a 23-yarder late in the second quarter and it was 10-10 at halftime. This was just the beginning of what would be an up-and-down day for the placekickers.
Kicking Woes
Missouri tied the game with a field goal on their first drive of the second half. They took the lead 20-13 on their second drive thanks to a three-yard touchdown run by Marcus Carroll. Vanderbilt tied the game late in the third quarter on an AJ Newberry four-yard touchdown run. Tied in the fourth quarter, Missouri kicker Blake Craig missed two field goals to take the lead and Vanderbilt kicker Brock Taylor missed one. They went to overtime tied at 20. A touchdown pass by each team got them through the first overtime. Craig made a 37-yard field goal to start double overtime. Taylor had a chance to tie the game for the Commodores, but badly hooked a 31-yard field goal and the game was over. Missouri wins.
Efficient Offenses
Missed field goals weren’t the only story of the game. Both offenses were steady and efficient. Diego Pavia was the whole Vanderbilt offense, throwing for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing with 84 yards on 17 carries. Missouri’s dynamic duo of Cook and Burden III connected for two touchdowns. Running-back Nate Noel ran all over the Commodores carrying the ball 24 times for 199 yards. Missouri was the more consistent offense out-gaining Vanderbilt 442 to 324 in total yards, but neither team turned over the ball.
What’s Next
Vanderbilt was a fun story after their opening win over Virginia Tech. But since then they have lost to Georgia State and now this heartbreaker. The Commodores better use their upcoming bye week to regroup. Fourth-ranked Alabama awaits them the following week. Missouri better take this as a wake-up call. This was supposed to be one of their easier SEC games. They play 25th-ranked Texas A&M next week. After that, they’re only remaining games against currently ranked teams are Alabama and Oklahoma in late October. They escaped today, but Missouri will have to play much better if they truly want to be a National Championship contender.
