OFFENSE: B-

Missouri just barely brought its grade up above a C with a late bonus assignment. The Tigers managed 253 yards in the first three quarters despite a non-existent Vanderbilt offense. Maty Mauk and Bud Sasser finally got some traction in the passing game, and the latter finished with 74 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The offensive line opened some running lanes, while Russell Hansbrough and Marcus Murphy found creases regularly. The group took care of the ball, most importantly.

DEFENSE: B+

With the exception of a Braylon Webb interception, Johnny McCrary outplayed Mauk. Missouri did shut down Vandy’s running game, as Ralph Webb carried 16 times for 34 yards. Nine different Vanderbilt players caught a pass, and while McCrary and the ‘Dores were fish in a barrel on third-and-long, Markus Golden and Shane Ray picked up three offsides penalties. Missouri generally dominated Vandy’s offense, but that should be a given against this unit.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B+

Murphy didn’t return kickoffs Saturday, and Vanderbilt was careful about placing the ball on kicks and punts. Andrew Baggett missed another field goal. Christian Brinser punted pretty well, placing two of four inside the 20.

COACHING: B

Gary Pinkel and the coaching staff have the defense playing consistent football, while the offensive line and running game took a decided step forward against a Vandy defense that’s played decent all year. Guiding this team to a 6-2 record in spite of such significant concerns on offense and a lack of difference makers is a win, especially since the team is trending in the right direction the last two games after a shaky transition to SEC play.

OVERALL: B

This Missouri team never was going to be the dominant force it was last year en route to a Top 5 national ranking and 12 wins. But, thanks in part to a relatively easy SEC schedule, this team heads into its final four SEC games with a chance to back into an SEC East title. An eight-win team would be a pretty positive result, and that could be where this team is headed.