In a game that felt more like a heavyweight boxing match than a college football showdown, No. 10 Vanderbilt edged No. 15 Missouri 17–10 in a tense SEC battle that went down to the final play—literally. The Commodores’ defense held firm at the goal line as time expired, preserving a victory that not only snapped a five-game losing streak to the Tigers but also marked Vanderbilt’s best start since 1941.
How the Game Unfolded
The first half was a defensive slugfest, with both teams trading field goals and neither able to crack the end zone. Vanderbilt kicker Brock Taylor tied the game at 3–3 just before halftime, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.
The turning point came in the third quarter when Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young broke free for an electrifying 80-yard touchdown run, injecting life into the Commodores’ offense and the home crowd in Nashville. But Missouri, despite losing starting quarterback Beau Pribula to a dislocated ankle early in the third, refused to go quietly. Freshman Matt Zollers stepped in and connected with Jude James for a touchdown, keeping the Tigers within striking distance.
The Decisive Drive
With the score tied at 10–10 late in the fourth quarter, Vanderbilt’s defense delivered the play of the game: safety CJ Heard recovered a fumble by Missouri’s Jamal Roberts at midfield with just over seven minutes left. That set up a methodical drive capped by quarterback Diego Pavia’s 1-yard touchdown plunge with 1:52 remaining, putting the Commodores ahead for good.
Missouri had one last chance, driving to the Vanderbilt 1-yard line as the clock wound down. On the final play, Zollers hit Kevin Coleman Jr., but after a review, Coleman was ruled down just inches short of the goal line—a heartbreaking end for the Tigers and a euphoric one for Vanderbilt.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Vanderbilt, this win is historic. At 7–1 (3–1 SEC), the Commodores are enjoying their best start in over 80 years and have now beaten three AP Top 25 teams in a single season—a program first. Head coach Clark Lea, who has quietly built one of the nation’s most surprising teams, summed it up: “We’re not getting where we want to go if we don’t find ways to win games like this tonight. I thought a great moment for us to step up. And we did.”
Missouri, meanwhile, drops to 6–2 (2–2 SEC) and faces questions about its offense after Pribula’s injury. The Tigers have a bye week before hosting No. 3 Texas A&M, while Vanderbilt travels to face No. 22 Texas, with both teams still very much in the SEC and national conversation.
Expert Take
This wasn’t just a win for Vanderbilt—it was a statement. The Commodores, long considered an SEC afterthought, are proving they belong in the league’s upper tier. Their defense, which has been the backbone of this dream season, came up huge when it mattered most. For Missouri, the loss stings, but the fight shown by a backup quarterback and a resilient defense suggests this team isn’t done yet.
Looking Ahead
Vanderbilt’s Cinderella run faces its next test on the road against Texas, while Missouri must regroup during its bye. One thing’s clear: the SEC just got a lot more interesting, and Vanderbilt is no longer the conference’s punching bag—they’re the team nobody wants to play.
Sources
1. No. 15 Missouri Tigers at No. 10 Vanderbilt Commodores - YouTube
2. 2025 Missouri Football Opponent Previews: Vanderbilt Commodores
3. Missouri Tigers vs. Vanderbilt Commodores Live Score and Stats
4. [PDF] 2014 V ANDERBIL T WOMEN'S BASKETBALL F ACT BOOK
5. Five Takeaways from Mizzou’s Pivotal 17-10 Loss to Vanderbilt
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