Missouri Vanderbilt: Game Information and Prediction

Sep 7, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback James Franklin (1) attempts a pass during the second half against the Toledo Rockets. Missouri defeats Toledo 38-23 at Faurot Field . Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri’s fifth game of the season will come against the Vanderbilt Commodores of the SEC. This game is the Tigers first against an SEC opponent this season. The Commodores are 3-2 overall and 0-2 in the SEC so far. The game will take place Saturday night in Nashville, Tennessee at Vanderbilt Stadium. Both teams feature high powered offenses and will be ready for what should be an exciting, high scoring game.

The Missouri offense, led by a strong running game and healthy quarterback James Franklin, ranks 8th in the nation in total offense with 549 yards per game. A big part of that offense is the strong running game, which ranks 16th in the nation with 262 yards per game. Vanderbilt’s run defense only ranks 60th in the nation, so Mizzou should be able to run the ball effectively on Saturday. For Missouri, the game may come down to trying to stop Austyn Carta-Samuels and the Vanderbilt offense. Defensive leaders Michael Sam, EJ Gaines, and Andrew Wilson will have their hands full with the best offense Missouri has seen so far this season.

Game Vitals
Time- 6:30 PM Central Time
Location- Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
TV/Radio- CSS for TV, Tiger Radio Network for Radio
Point Spread- Missouri by 1
Teams- Missouri Tigers, Vanderbilt Commodores

Missouri
4-0 on the season
Wins against Toledo, Murray State, Indiana and Arkansas State

Statistical Leaders
Passing- James Franklin- 1129 yards, nine TDs, three interceptions
Rushing- Russell Hansbrough- 335 yards, three TDs, averaging over eight yards a carry
Receiving- Dorial Green-Beckham- 334 yards, three TDs

Vanderbilt
3-2 on the season, 0-2 SEC
Wins against Austin Peay, UMass and UAB
Losses against Ole Miss, South Carolina

Statistical Leaders
Passing- Austyn Carta-Samuels- 1223 yards, eight TDs
Rushing- Jerron Seymour- 286 yards, six TDs
Receiving- Jordan Matthews- 586 yards, four TDs

Prediction
These two teams are very close in talent level, and both teams really want this game. I think the biggest match-up will be the Mizzou running attack against the Vandy defense. I think Mizzou will be able to impose their will in the trenches, opening up the field for the passing attack later on in the game. Also watch EJ Gaines match-up against 2013 Biletnikoff Award Watch List WR Jordan Matthews; it will be fun to watch those two talents going at it. In the end, I think Missouri pulls it out in a close one, behind a couple of rushing TDs from the stable of Tiger backs.

Final Score- 28-24 Mizzou