Latest Vanderbilt vs. Missouri Football Score and Game Highlights

The clash between No. 12/10 Vanderbilt and No. 14/15 Missouri on Saturday at FirstBank Stadium was a dramatic and hard-fought battle that ended with the Commodores securing a 17-10 victory. The game, which saw a series of twists and turns, was highlighted by an injury to Missouri’s starting quarterback Beau Pribula and a heroic effort from true freshman Matt Zollers. This article breaks down the key moments, the final score, and what it means for both teams moving forward.

Key Moments of the Game

Injury to Pribula Changes the Game

The game took a dramatic turn in the third quarter when Missouri’s starting quarterback, Beau Pribula, suffered an ankle injury. After faking a toss on fourth-and-goal, Pribula was tackled and immediately carted off the field. The injury forced Missouri to turn to true freshman Matt Zollers, who had only completed six passes in four appearances this season.

Zollers Steps In

Zollers, a Pennsylvania native, entered the game with the task of leading Missouri’s offense. Despite the pressure, he showed poise and determination. His first drive led the Tigers into field goal range, but kicker Robert Meyer missed a 29-yard attempt, keeping the score tied at 3-3.

Makhilyn Young’s 80-Yard TD

Vanderbilt quickly capitalized on Missouri’s struggles. On the next play from scrimmage, Makhilyn Young broke free for an 80-yard touchdown, giving the Commodores a 10-3 lead with 3:51 left in the third quarter. The score was a turning point in the game, as Missouri struggled to respond.

Zollers’ Fourth-Quarter Heroics

Despite the deficit, Zollers continued to show promise. He led a 75-yard drive in the fourth quarter, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jude James, tying the game at 10-10 with 12:49 remaining.

Final Minutes and the Hail Mary

With less than two minutes to play, Zollers attempted a Hail Mary pass to Kevin Coleman Jr., but the throw was ruled short of the goal line after a lengthy review. The decision sealed Vanderbilt’s victory, as the Commodores were able to hold on for the win.

Game Recap

First Half: Defensive Struggles

Both teams started the game with strong defensive efforts. Missouri held Vanderbilt out of the red zone in the first half, preventing the Commodores from scoring until the second quarter. A 39-yard field goal by Robert Meyer gave Missouri a 3-0 lead, but Vanderbilt responded with a 23-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3.

Second Half: Momentum Shifts

The momentum shifted in the third quarter when Pribula was injured. Zollers took over, but the Tigers struggled to find consistency. Vanderbilt’s Makhilyn Young’s 80-yard touchdown was the defining moment of the half, putting the Commodores ahead 10-3.

Final Quarter: Tense Finish

In the final quarter, Zollers led Missouri on a scoring drive, tying the game at 10-10. However, the Tigers couldn’t sustain the momentum. A fumble by Zollers and Jamal Roberts led to a Vanderbilt touchdown, and the Tigers’ final Hail Mary attempt fell short.

Final Score and Implications

Vanderbilt 17, Missouri 10

The final score of 17-10 marked a significant win for Vanderbilt, who improved to 7-1 on the season. For Missouri, the loss dropped them to 6-2, and the team now faces a difficult path to the College Football Playoff.

Impact on Both Teams

For Vanderbilt, the win solidified their position in the SEC and kept them in the conversation for the College Football Playoff. The Commodores are now ranked in the top 10 for the first time since 1947, and their Cinderella story continues.

For Missouri, the loss is a setback. With Pribula out for an unknown period, the Tigers will have to rely on Zollers and other players to carry the team. The upcoming schedule includes tough matchups against Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, all of which will test Missouri’s depth and resilience.

What’s Next?

Vanderbilt’s Road Ahead

Vanderbilt will look to build on this win as they head into a challenging stretch of games. Their next opponent is Texas, where they’ll face a struggling Longhorns team. The Commodores will need to maintain their momentum and continue to perform well in high-stakes games.

Missouri’s Path Forward

Missouri has a week off before facing Texas A&M on November 8. During this time, the Tigers will work on integrating Zollers into the offense and preparing for the remainder of the season. A strong finish could still keep Missouri in the playoff picture, but the team will need to avoid further setbacks.

Conclusion

The Vanderbilt vs. Missouri game was a thrilling and hard-fought contest that showcased the resilience of both teams. While Vanderbilt emerged victorious, Missouri’s performance, particularly from Zollers, showed promise for the future. As the season progresses, both teams will have to navigate challenges and opportunities, with the College Football Playoff still within reach for the right team.

Stay updated with the latest news on college football and follow the journey of both teams as they prepare for their next games. Whether you’re a fan of the Commodores or the Tigers, there’s plenty to watch in the coming weeks.