It’s over now, Missouri and Vanderbilt fans.

It wasn’t pretty and it definitely wasn’t the most remarkable broadcast, but Mizzou still improved to 3-4 on the season, taking care of business against hapless Vanderbilt.

Luther Burden was simply incredible in the Tigers’ 17-14 win over the Commodores Saturday afternoon. He was listed as probable for Week 7 against Vanderbilt, but looked just fine right out of the gate. The top ranked receiver in the 2022 Class took a bubble screen the distance less than 3 minutes into the game.

Burden should be touching the ball much more going forward for Missouri. The Tigers are looking at a talent that doesn’t come around too often. Let’s not waste his potential, right?

His second score on the day, a jet sweep just before the end of the second quarter, showed his insane ability to produce with his legs.

Burden totaled 4 completions for 66 yards and a touchdown, rushing for 10 yards and a touchdown in the process.

The next best thing from Missouri’s win was the defense. Vanderbilt entered this game having not scored since an October 8th loss to Ole Miss. The Commodores were blanked by No. 1 Georgia last week, 55-0.

That scoreless streak was held even longer by the Tigers D. A few turnover in the first half, capped by a Jaylon Carlies interception in the end zone as AJ Swann stared down William Shepard, highlighted the strong performance.

Mizzou’s secondary really made things difficult for Swann throughout the Week 8 bout. He finished the game with 13 completions on 30 throws for 115 yards and 1 interception. Mike Wright did much better upon entering the game, throwing for 128 yards and 1 touchdown on 9 completions.

Vanderbilt’s first score of the game was not the Mizzou defense’s fault. Brady Cook got bull-rushed by the Vanderbilt front line, fumbling the ball only for CJ Taylor to scoop the ball and score, making it  a17-7 ballgame.

The Tigers’ woes holding on to the football continued the next series. They fumbled the ensuing kickoff, giving Vanderbilt a short field. Unfortunately, Swann was injured in that series and forced to leave the game. Backup quarterback Mike Wright failed to lead the Commodores into the end zone and Vanderbilt missed the following 27-yard field goal to potentially cut the lead to one possession.

Because of course they did.

Mizzou gave Vanderbilt yet another chance entering the 4th quarter. Nathaniel Peat couldn’t hold on top the ball and gave the Commodores the ball deep within their own territory. Vanderbilt once again couldn’t respond against a strong Mizzou defense.

That seemed to be the theme of the night. When Missouri gave Vanderbilt yet another chance off a missed field goal in the 4th quarter, nobody would blame you for assuming a turnover on downs was coming your way.

What do we have here?

In a game where Vanderbilt should definitely have not had life, they did with under 5 minutes to go. Most other Power 5 opponents win that game with that field position, but ultimately Vanderbilt buckled under the pressure of its final drive. Vanderbilt failed to convert 4th and 1 from the Mizzou 44-yard line and all chances of earning a win evaporated.

Apart from Burden, the Missouri offense needs some work. Brady Cook finished the game with a semi-respectable 17 passes completed on 25 attempts, throwing for 211 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.