Rarely do Vanderbilt and Missouri receive accolades within the SEC, but as they approach Week 9, both teams are proving they are not merely the underdogs.
The Commodores currently rank No. 10 in the nation with a record of 6-1, following a significant victory over LSU, where they triumphed 31-24. Similarly, Missouri boasts a matching 6-1 record after their recent win against Hugh Freeze’s Auburn Tigers.
The upcoming matchup between these two teams is generating interest, with ESPN’s Football Power Index favoring Missouri with a 55.5% chance of victory against Vanderbilt.
Diego Pavia has emerged as a key player for the Commodores, throwing for 160 yards and one touchdown while completing 14 of his 22 passes against Auburn. In addition to his passing performance, he contributed significantly on the ground with 17 carries for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cole Spence was instrumental in the receiving game, catching five passes for 56 yards and one touchdown.
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Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula completed 23 of his 40 passes for 252 yards but struggled with two interceptions and did not throw any touchdowns in the win over Auburn. He also rushed for a touchdown on sixteen carries totaling 28 yards. Ahmad Hardy played a pivotal role in the running game as well, carrying the ball 24 times for 58 yards and scoring two touchdowns; he also made one reception for eleven yards.
Historically, Missouri leads the all-time series against Vanderbilt with a record of 16 wins, three losses, and one tie. This rivalry dates back to their first meeting in 1895 when Missouri won decisively by a score of 16-0. The two teams have faced off a total of twenty-two times, with their most recent encounter occurred last September when Missouri edged out Vanderbilt in double overtime with a score of 30-27.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
