Cody Slovensky
Writer
No. 15 Missouri vs No. 10 Vanderbilt
Date: Oct. 25, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM CST
Venue: FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN
T.V.: ESPN
Betting Odds: Vanderbilt is a -2.5 point-favorite
In a series dominated by Missouri since joining the SEC, both teams now sit in the driver’s seat to make a potential appearance in Atlanta for the SEC Championship game, as well as a potential spot in the College Football Playoff. While the road to get there is not easy, both teams are currently 6-1 with a 2-1 record in SEC play. Both teams fell short in their efforts against Alabama.
For Vanderbilt, they are sitting on cloud nine. After a 30-14 defeat against Alabama, they entered their bye week and regrouped. Last Saturday, Vanderbilt welcomed in LSU and was unstoppable. They defeated LSU 31-24, but could have won by more. Everything was clicking offensively, and Diego Pavia went from being viewed as a very good quarterback to being a Heisman Trophy contender.
Missouri rebounded from its 27-24 defeat to Alabama and defeated Auburn 23-17. Auburn was a pesky foe, as they tend to be for most teams. Special teams cost Auburn the upset bid, and Missouri pulled out the win in double overtime.
ULM transfer running back Ahmad Hardy has been everything Missouri could have dreamed of. Against Auburn, Hardy did not put up big numbers, as he had 24 carries for 58 yards, but his two touchdowns were key in the game.
Missouri currently ranks tenth nationally in total offense. A big reason behind that is Ahmad Hardy, but also the leader of the offense, quarterback Beau Pribula.
Pribula is the face that runs the place. Each game, he looks more and more comfortable, but the mistakes still exist. In SEC play, Pribula has thrown three touchdowns and five interceptions. The small errors are costly. At the end of the game against Alabama, if Pribula doesn’t overthrow Donovan Olugbode, not only would Missouri have set up a good first down, but they would have been in field goal range with a chance to send it to overtime or even possibly score a game-winning touchdown.
Defensively is where Missouri really shines. Missouri ranks seventh nationally in rushing defense and fifth nationally in total defense. Missouri is really good about getting stops. They do not stick out on sacks or turnovers, just simply shutting down opposing offenses. Defensive end Zion Young is an absolute stud. He has five sacks and two forced fumbles on the season. He is a nightmare for opposing offenses to deal with. He was also named SEC Defensive Line Player of the Week after his performance against Auburn.
Pavia is now a Heisman Trophy contender. He has been very consistent this season. Pavia is on track to not only have his best statistical season as a collegiate athlete but also potentially become the first Commodore to win the Heisman Trophy.
Tight end Eli Stowers has proven to be Pavia’s favorite target. On the season, he leads the team with 28 receptions for 355 yards and two touchdowns. Stowers is one of the best tight ends in the entire country. His 355 receiving yards rank him sixth nationally among tight ends.
Defensive lineman Zaylin Wood is a force to be reckoned with. In his last two games, he has recorded a sack in each. In a game where the rushing attack is a strong point, Wood’s presence in the backfield is key.
The fanbase at Vanderbilt is really stepping it up in the Clark Lea era. What was once viewed as an easy win on the schedule is now becoming a very hostile environment.
If Missouri is going to win this game, the key is to limit the self-inflicted damage. Take care of the football, utilize your weapons and play ahead.
Final Score: Missouri 31 – Vanderbilt 27
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