In a thrilling SEC showdown, the Vanderbilt Commodores triumphed over the 15th-ranked Missouri Tigers with a nail-biting 17-10 victory at FirstBank Stadium on October 25, 2025.
This win marked a significant milestone for Vanderbilt, as they achieved their best start in over 80 years, improving to 7-1 overall and 3-1 in the Southeastern Conference. The atmosphere was electric, with the stadium buzzing for ESPN’s College GameDay, a rare appearance at Vanderbilt since 2008. Nashville was on full display.
The game unfolded as a fierce defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm in the first half. The score stood at a mere 3-3 at halftime, reflecting the defensive prowess and penalty woes that plagued both offenses. Missouri’s Brock Taylor opened the scoring with a 38-yard field goal, but Vanderbilt quickly matched it with a field goal of their own, keeping the contest tightly contested.
The second half saw the stakes rise. Vanderbilt broke through early in the third quarter when running back Makhilyn Young electrified the crowd with an impressive 80-yard touchdown run, putting the Commodores ahead 10-3. However, Missouri responded with determination. Freshman quarterback Matt Zollers, stepping in for the injured Beau Pribula, threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jude James, leveling the score at 10-10.
The pivotal moment came late in the fourth quarter. With just over seven minutes remaining, Vanderbilt’s safety CJ Heard made a crucial play, recovering a fumble by Missouri’s Jamal Roberts. This turnover set the stage for a dramatic final drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown dive by quarterback Diego Pavia with just 1:52 left on the clock.
The ending was not without drama. Prior to the touchdown, a potential fumble by Sedrick Alexander at the goal line was overturned upon review, allowing Vanderbilt to capitalize on the situation. Missouri had one last chance to tie the game, but Zollers’ Hail Mary pass was caught, but short of the goal line, sealing the victory for Vanderbilt.
Key Moments and Player Highlights
•Vanderbilt’s Defense: The Commodores’ defense was a standout, holding Missouri to under 300 total yards and executing two critical goal-line stands.
•Diego Pavia: The Vanderbilt quarterback displayed poise under pressure, efficiently managing the game and leading his team to victory. His late-game touchdown was a testament to his leadership.
•Makhilyn Young: Young’s explosive run was the highlight of Vanderbilt’s offense, showcasing the potential for big plays and underscoring their ability to strike quickly.
For Vanderbilt, this victory not only marks their second consecutive win over a ranked opponent but also positions them as a legitimate contender in the College Football Playoff discussions. Ranked No. 10, they are now just one win away from matching the legendary 1941 team that started 8-1.
On the other hand, Missouri, now 6-2, faces a challenging road ahead. The loss, compounded by the injury to Pribula, could hinder their playoff aspirations. Coach Eliah Drinkwitz announced that Pribula will be sidelined for an extended period, leaving the Tigers to regroup in the coming weeks.
As Vanderbilt continues its remarkable journey, the Commodores are poised to capture the attention of college football fans nationwide. With their next matchup against Texas on November 1, the golden era of Vanderbilt football may just be beginning.
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