In the week leading up to Missouri’s showdown with Vanderbilt, offensive lineman Paul Adams stressed the importance of the Tigers refocusing after their big win at No. 13 Florida. Missouri couldn’t afford to get complacent against a Southeastern Conference opponent, even one with a losing record.
The Commodores proved Adams right. They did not come out playing like two-touchdown underdogs. If anything, Vanderbilt looked like the better team for three quarters. Missouri’s defense couldn’t figure out how to stop running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn, and quarterback Kyle Shurmur played like an NFL prospect.
But the Tigers came through in the fourth, seizing the lead early in the quarter and winning 33-28 on a brisk Saturday.