For the first time since 2008, ESPN’s College GameDay travels to Nashville as No. 10 Vanderbilt takes on No. 15 Missouri at FirstBank Stadium. The Commodores (6-1, 2-1 SEC) enter Week 9 coming off a statement victory over the then-No.10 LSU Tigers (5-2, 2-2 SEC). The AP poll ranked Vanderbilt No. 10 in the country following the victory — an accomplishment last achieved by the Commodores in 1947. The No. 15 Missouri Tigers (6-1, 2-1 SEC) have also turned heads this season, featuring star players like running back Ahmad Hardy and quarterback Beau Pribula. This game will have a major impact on both teams’ chances at making the College Football Playoff.
The Hustler went behind enemy bylines to interview Colin Simmons, sports editor of The Maneater, to break down the matchup.
The Hustler: Diego Pavia displayed his ability to be a true dual-threat quarterback against LSU. Who are the key players on Missouri’s defensive line that need to perform well to limit Pavia’s impact and escapability?
Simmons: It starts with Damon Wilson and Zion Young, two starting edge rushers for Missouri. They’ve created a lot of pressure, and I don’t think Vanderbilt has seen something like that this season. Also, on the interior, they have Chris McClellan. He’s a veteran on the inside who stuffs the rushing lanes. So, expect to see a lot of containment on the outside to force Pavia to stay in the pocket.
What are your opinions on Missouri’s overall performance on both sides of the ball in last week’s game against Auburn?
Starting with the offense, the run game has definitely stalled out over the last two weeks. Hardy rushed for less than 60 yards against Auburn, and Missouri really needs to see him get going again for the offense to be as powerful as it was. When Hardy runs the ball successfully, he opens lanes for the passing game. Pribula threw two interceptions that really killed the momentum it had going in drives there, but the offense really stepped up when it needed to at the end of the game. Pribula led those drives in overtime to get some points on the board when his team needed them most. The defense was really spectacular for most of that game. Our pass rush got home, and the secondary — which usually has been our downfall — got a takeaway. The defense has really been the hallmark of this team.
Hardy and Pribula have had outstanding seasons for Missouri thus far. What are the aspects of their games that make them great players?
Starting with Hardy, his whole thing is just the yards after contact. He will get hit behind or at the line of scrimmage often, but he bounces off that first tackle so well. The reason he’s been stopped recently is because he’s seen two or three guys on him right away — other teams are just selling out for the run. But the best aspects of his game are yards after contact and his twitchability. Despite having some turnover concerns recently, Pribula is really a consistent quarterback. He rarely makes mistakes, but when he does, they tend to be big lapses. In the short intermediate, 6-to-10-yard range, he is one of the best quarterbacks the Tigers have seen in a while.
Diego Pavia has a lot of options when he passes the ball. The receiving room is loaded with talents like Junior Sherrill, Eli Stowers and Cole Spence. Who needs to have a big day in Missouri’s secondary to slow down Vanderbilt’s passing attack?
Coach Drinkowitz talked about Vanderbilt’s tight ends in the midweek presser today. Missouri has not seen a team that utilizes its tight ends as much as Vanderbilt does. I think slowing down the passing attack will really start with Daylan Carnell. He plays the STAR position for Missouri’s defense — a combination of a linebacker and safety. He usually takes the bulk of guarding the tight end, so he’ll need to just step up his coverage this week.
CJ Heard has been a star in Vanderbilt’s secondary, leading the team in tackles. However, Vanderbilt has had problems this season giving up explosive plays. Who needs to have a big day in Missouri’s receiving room to combat CJ Heard and Vanderbilt’s secondary?
I think it has to be Kevin Coleman Jr. He started off the season really strong, and two weeks ago, he had a 12-catch game for over 100 yards. He’s really dropped in production in the past two weeks, but he is Missouri’s No. 1 wide receiver, and he’s really great after the catch. While it’s a deep receiving room, I think getting him back into the swing of things will change the offense a lot because it doesn’t take much for him to impact the game. You can get him out in the flat or on simple plays behind the line of scrimmage. Missouri just needs to get him in space where he can create after the catch.
What is your final score prediction?
I have to keep some journalistic integrity here. I guess my final score prediction will be 31 Vanderbilt, 24 Missouri.
