Vanderbilt, for whatever reason, still isn't getting the respect nationally that they deserve. What's been fascinating to watch is how consistent they've been, regardless of the opponent, on the offensive side of the ball. They're facing a solid defense in Missouri, but one who struggles to find consistency with their own offense on a game-to-game basis.
We're well beyond the point we can dismiss Vandy. Dreams however, are made of players like QB Diego Pavia, whose ability to extend plays and keep drives alive allows the Dores to usually win the time of possession battle, an important first step to success. Add in the shrewd work in the portal done by Football GM Barton Simmons, and the recipe for success is now cooking in Nashville. Mizzou has beaten Vandy five straight but needed OT to do so last season in Columbia, and the penchant for mistakes by QB Beau Pribula (ints. in five straight games) and ULM transfer RB Ahmad Hardy getting slowed the past two weeks by Bama and Auburn suggests the infantry diversion might be somewhat limited. Play Vanderbilt
Missouri is on the road for a second consecutive game after struggling on offense against Auburn last week. Vandy's defense isn't Auburn's, but I'm not confident the Missouri defense can do enough to stop the freight train that is Diego Pavia.
Missouri's offense has not produced at the same clip in conference play, and while the Tigers' defense can cause some problems for Vanderbilt I'd rather have Diego Pavia than Beau Pribula in this QB battle. This is the second straight road game for Mizzou but also only the second road game of the season. After escaping in 2OT against an Auburn team that I don't rate as highly, the Tigers are going to find it tough to get the same breaks against Vanderbilt.
