Vanderbilt’s Dramatic Goal Line Stand Fuels College Football Playoff Hopes
In a thrilling showdown in Nashville, the No. 10 Vanderbilt Commodores emerged victorious against the No. 15 Missouri Tigers. This marked a significant milestone in their football history.
The game was a nail-biter until the very end, with Vanderbilt securing a 17-10 win. It keeps Vanderbilt in the hunt for the SEC title and boosts their College Football Playoff hopes.
The game was filled with dramatic moments. Missouri’s last-second Hail Mary attempt fell just short.
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Vanderbilt’s Historic Win
For Vanderbilt, this game was more than just another win. It really felt like a statement.
Hosting a top-15 matchup for the first time since 1937, the Commodores made sure to seize the moment. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt’s Heisman Trophy contender, led the team to victory despite a modest performance.
Pavia completed 10 of 19 passes for 129 yards, with one interception. He ran eight times for 20 yards and a touchdown.
Key Moments
The first half was a defensive slugfest, with both teams trading field goals. Things finally shifted in the third quarter when Vanderbilt’s Makhilyn Young broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run, putting the Commodores up 10-3.
Missouri answered with a 75-yard touchdown drive, tying the game early in the fourth quarter. The decisive play came when Pavia dove into the end zone from a yard out with just under two minutes left, giving Vanderbilt the lead for good.
- Makhilyn Young’s 80-yard touchdown run
- Diego Pavia’s game-winning touchdown
- Missouri’s last-second Hail Mary attempt
Missouri’s Struggles and Injuries
Missouri faced some tough challenges, especially after their starting quarterback, Beau Pribula, went down. Pribula was carted off the field with an aircast on his lower left leg after being stopped inside the 1-yard line.
Freshman backup quarterback Matt Zollers stepped in and performed admirably. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown.
Impact of Injuries
Pribula’s injury is a serious blow to Missouri’s playoff hopes. Coach Eli Drinkwitz said Pribula has no broken bones but will miss extended time with an ankle injury.
Zollers, a four-star recruit, showed some promise. Still, he’ll need more reps to guide the Tigers through the rest of their SEC schedule.
- Beau Pribula’s injury and its impact
- Matt Zollers’ performance as a backup
Future Outlook for Both Teams
Vanderbilt’s victory has pushed their College Football Playoff chances up. The Athletic projects their chances at 26 percent now.
They’ve got a tough road ahead, including games against Texas, Auburn, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Nothing’s going to come easy from here.
Vanderbilt’s Path Forward
To keep their playoff hopes alive, Vanderbilt will need to stay sharp. The next game against Texas looms large.
Back-to-back home games against Auburn and Kentucky will test them before the season finale against Tennessee. The Commodores have shown a lot of grit, and honestly, that’s what they’ll need most in the coming weeks.
- Upcoming game against Texas
- Home games against Auburn and Kentucky
- Season finale against Tennessee
Missouri’s Remaining Schedule
Missouri’s path to the playoffs just got a lot tougher after the loss and Pribula’s injury. But they’ve got a week off to regroup, which should help.
Their remaining SEC games are against Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. They’ll need a strong finish to stay in the playoff race—no way around it.
- Week off to regroup
- Remaining games against Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, and Arkansas
Conclusion
The Vanderbilt vs. Missouri game really showed just how wild college football can get.
Vanderbilt’s historic win has suddenly put them in a strong spot for a playoff berth.
Missouri, on the other hand, is staring down a tough road with their starting quarterback out.
If you want all the details, check out the full game recap on The New York Times.
