The No. 7 Missouri Tigers turned their Week 3 struggle against Boston College into a bonding experience for the many newcomers on their roster.
“For us to have to face some adversity and then figure out who we are, who we can count on, what are you going to do when your back’s against the wall and you’re tired,” Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said. “I think that was really important.”
Missouri (3-0, 0-0 Southeastern Conference) rallied from an 11-point second-quarter deficit to win 27-21. The Tigers will try to build on that experience when they host the Vanderbilt Commodores (2-1, 0-0 SEC) on Saturday on Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo.
The Tigers weren’t tested in their first two games, a 51-0 victory over Murray State and a 38-0 win over Buffalo.
Tigers quarterback Brady Cook has completed 69-of-97 passes for 720 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He has also rushed for 90 yards and four touchdowns.
But Missouri still hasn’t gotten in high gear with its passing game because Cook has been under duress.
“Got to firm up the middle of the pocket,” Drinkwitz said. “When we have confusion about what we’re doing in protection, we’ve got to still be solid.”
Missouri has alternated Nate Noel (242 yards, two touchdowns) and Marcus Carroll (151 yards, one touchdown) at running back. Its deep receiving corps is led by Theo Wease Jr. (21 catches, 232 yards) and preseason all-America Luther Burden III (13 catches, 181 yards, two touchdowns).
“What makes them unique is, they formation motion and design you to find spaces,” Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. “It’s built around their stretch running scheme.”
Defensively, the Tigers have held opponents to 73.7 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 19th in the nation. However, they may be without starting free safety Joseph Charleston, who is listed as questionable.
Vanderbilt will look to rebound from its 36-32 loss at Georgia State. The Commodores rallied from a 29-17 fourth-quarter deficit only to allow a last-minute touchdown drive.
Lea blamed the loss on poor preparation.
“It wasn’t the physical work that bothered me last week,” he said. “It was more along the lines of focus and approach. Guys being on time, being disciplined, being consistent.”
Dual-threat Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia has completed 40-of-62 passes for 543 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 195 yards and two TDs.
Sedrick Alexander (165 yards, three TDs) is the lead running back and tight end Eli Stowers (12 catches, 163 yards, one TD) and Quincy Skinner Jr. (eight catches, 123 yards, one TD) have been the primary passing targets.
The Commodores upset Virginia Tech 34-27 in overtime and routed Alcorn State 55-0 in their first two games.
“Vandy, I think, has always been a very difficult out for us,” Drinkwitz said. “This is Clark’s best team since he’s been there.”
Vanderbilt was missing edge defenders Khordae Sydnor and Boubacar Diakite against Georgia State. Defensive lineman Zaylin Wood and safety De’Rickey Wright were injured during the game.
Lea said Sydnor was questionable for this game and Wood is likely out. Safety CJ Taylor could sit out the first half due to a targeting penalty last week.
Both teams will be looking to eliminate their penalties. The Commodores were penalized nine times for 85 yards against Georgia State and the Tigers were flagged eight times for 91 yards against Boston College.
“The lack of discipline is the result of lack of accountability,” Drinkwitz said. “And there’s going to be accountability … selfish penalties cannot happen. The team’s mission is way more important than any individual’s hurt feelings.”
