What we learned as Mizzou football overwhelms Vandy, Sarah Fuller makes history
The Missouri Tigers had little trouble as heavy favorites, overwhelming Vanderbilt in a comfortable 41-0 win Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
The Tigers (4-3) dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, allowing them to easily shut down the Commodores (0-8). First-year MU coach Eliah Drinkwitz’s program is above .500 for the first time.
While it was all Mizzou in the victory, Vanderbilt’s goalie-turned-kicker Sarah Fuller made history Saturday. Fuller executed a squib kick to the right side for the second-half kickoff, becoming the first woman to play in a Power Five football game.
That was Fuller’s lone opportunity Saturday, though, as the Mizzou defense never allowed the Commodores near the red zone.
“Any time you break a barrier or do something, it’s to be commended,” Drinkwitz said of Fuller. “It takes courage to do that. For her to have the courage to come out Monday and be a part of a football team, knowing that it’s going to be a barrier broken, it’s awesome.
“I just shared with her that I have four daughters of my own that made me very proud to be on a football field with her and congratulated her and wished her the best.”
The Mizzou offense, which had been relatively silent in its past three games, piled up 41 points. The Tigers were led by senior running back Larry Rountree III, who ran for 160 yards and matched a career-high with three touchdowns. The Tigers finished with 603 total yards to Vandy’s 196 in front of a socially distanced 11,053 fans.
Quarterback Connor Bazelak was efficient, finishing 30 for 37 for 318 yards. There were a few mistakes, but the redshirt freshman continued his solid play for the Tigers. Running back Tyler Badie showed off his versatility, catching seven passes for 102 yards receiving while adding a rushing touchdown.
While the offense hummed efficiently, the defense cleaned up any attempt by Vandy to put up points. It was another banner day for linebacker Nick Bolton, who finished with nine tackles and one sack. He couldn’t add to his totals as the Tigers dipped into their backups later in the game.
Mizzou plays an old friend in Arkansas and Hogs defensive coordinator Barry Odom in its next game. The Tigers were originally supposed to play the Razorbacks Saturday, but COVID-19 within Arkansas’ program forced a postponement. The SEC rescheduled the Battle Line Rivalry for Dec. 5, when the Hogs visit Faurot Field in Odom’s homecoming.
“Great team win today,” Drinkwitz said. “I thought the defense played lights out to hold an SEC opponent under 200 yards and to shut out. Forced a turnover. Stopped them on that early fourth down, which led them to the first scoring drive of the game.”
Healthy lines
Mizzou’s physicality in the trenches improved immensely as the Tigers beat up the Commodores at the point of attack.
The Tigers finally got some key starters back from injury, including left guard Xavier Delgado and right tackle Larry Borom, who started the game.
Defensive tackle Kobie Whiteside also played for the first time since the Tennessee game. On his first snap Saturday, he made a tackle for no gain. Defensive lineman Trajan Jeffcoat also returned after missing the South Carolina game. He’s been Mizzou’s best pass-rusher this season and finished with two tackles and one sack.
Youth movement
With the game in hand, Drinkwitz went to his bench, giving some true freshmen their first game action. True freshman quarterback Brady Cook led a touchdown drive.
Cook completed a pass to wide receiver Kris Abrams-Draine, who had two catches for four yards, his first collegiate touches. Running back Elijah Young also made an impact, with four rushes for 52 yards.
This story was originally published November 28, 2020 at 2:13 PM.