Missouri10 @FINAL 17Vanderbilt , Week 9, Oct 25, 2025

Starting QB Beau Pribula left the game early in the third quarter with a dislocated ankle and is expected to be out for a while. Freshman Matt Zollers replaced him, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown, but the offense struggled to finish drives.

Missouri was held to just 10 points, well below their season average of 39 points per game. The running game was limited to 97 yards by Ahmad Hardy, and the team failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, including a missed field goal and a fumble that set up Vanderbilt's winning drive.

Coach Eli Drinkwitz acknowledged that with two SEC losses, a conference championship is unlikely, but the team remains focused on making the playoffs. The loss drops Missouri to 6-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC play, but they have a bye week before hosting No. 3 Texas A&M.

A holding penalty on a key run erased a potential scoring play, and the team committed eight penalties for 83 yards. These mistakes, combined with a missed field goal, proved costly in a low-scoring game.

Missouri's defense held Vanderbilt to a season-low 265 yards and forced a fumble, but they could not stop the Commodores' game-winning drive. The defense will need to maintain this level of play against a high-powered Texas A&M offense after the bye.

Vanderbilt improved to 7-1 (3-1 SEC), their best start since 1941, and earned their first three wins over AP Top 25 teams in program history. They overcame a season-low 265 total yards, eight penalties, and three three-and-outs to win a defensive slugfest.

Safety CJ Heard forced a key fumble recovery with 7:02 left, setting up the winning drive. The defense held Missouri to 10 points despite facing a backup quarterback, and forced a critical stop on the final play to preserve the win.

Quarterback Diego Pavia scored the game-winning 1-yard touchdown with 1:52 left, capping a drive that survived a controversial fumble review. His leadership in crunch time was pivotal for a team that historically loses close games.

Vanderbilt's offense was held to 265 yards, well below their season average of 41.4 points per game. The only touchdown before the final drive was an 80-yard run by Makhilyn Young, highlighting a reliance on explosive plays.

Vanderbilt visits Texas on Nov. 1, facing a ranked opponent on the road. Their ability to win despite offensive inefficiency and penalties will be tested against a strong Texas defense.