Grading Missouri’s 33-28 win over Vanderbilt and looking ahead to Tennessee

Barry Odom’s squad flirted with another last-second defeat but got the job done on Saturday in a 33-28 win over Vanderbilt. The Tigers are now 6-2 and bowl-eligible for the second straight season. Missouri heads into Tennessee next weekend with a chance to extend the Tigers’ win streak to three.

Play of the game

Missouri’s goal-line stand on fourth down: Missouri’s defense was far from perfect yesterday, but when it had to make a play, it did. The Tigers stopped VU tailback Ke’Shawn Vaughn dead in his tracks to force a turnover on downs. Drew Lock proceeded to take MU the length of the field and walk in the go-ahead score.

Grades

Offense — B+: The first half struggles were an issue, but the run game had arguably its best day of the season and Lock threw a touchdown to a converted defensive end and didn’t have an effective Emanuel Hall. One of Lock’s two interceptions wasn’t his fault and Raytown graduate Dom Gicinto had a big day with 77 yards receiving.

Defense — B: The defense struggled against the run on Saturday but prevented a late rally from Vanderbilt and had the goal-line stop, which completely shifted the momentum in the game. Akial Byers has emerged as the Tigers’ main threat on the defensive line and Cale Garrett was all over the place, as usual.

Special teams — C-: Tucker McCann missed a 31-yard field goal attempt that would have prevented the last-minute drama that ensued. Yet he made two field goals from shorter distance earlier in the game. Corey Fatony was fine but Johnathon Johnson continues to struggle on punt returns, especially with ball security, and MU can’t have a good return without a flag being thrown.

Next up

As Missouri plays at Tennessee, here are two things the Tigers need:

Get rid of the last-minute drama: Barry Odom said he’ll take all the ugly wins he can get, but he’s understandably tired of games that come down to the final play. Missouri has already lost two games earlier in the season in the final minute despite being the better team. Mizzou can’t afford to get into a situation like that on the road. We’ve seen where that leads.

Use the backups more: Daniel Parker had a receiving touchdown, Gicinto had a big day and Kam Scott has already shown what he can do when the ball comes his way. Mizzou’s depth has been an issue against other SEC teams, but it appears the Tigers are finally in a place where the bench can hang with an opponent’s starters. Given the injuries to MU’s starters, these guys should see more snaps.

Alex Schiffer

Alex Schiffer covers University of Missouri athletics for The Star.

This story was originally published November 11, 2018 at 11:51 AM.