In Week 9 of the 2025 college football season, the Missouri Tigers, ranked #15 in the AP Poll, will take on the #10 ranked Vanderbilt Commodores at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Both teams hold a 6-1 record, making this an intriguing Southeastern Conference matchup. ESPN will broadcast this afternoon showdown on October 25, 2025, beginning at 3:30 PM ET. Missouri enters the game on the heels of a narrow 23-17 victory against Auburn. The Tigers have demonstrated resilience on the road with a 1-0 away record this season. With a conference record of 2-1, they look to improve their standing in the competitive SEC landscape. Vanderbilt aims to maintain its perfect 4-0 home record after a 31-24 win over LSU. The Commodores have shown strength at FirstBank Stadium, making them a formidable opponent. With a conference record mirroring Missouri at 2-1, Vanderbilt seeks to leverage its home-field advantage in this pivotal contest.
Vanderbilt vs Missouri At a Glance
- Game Timing: The game is set for Saturday, October 25, 2025, starting at 3:30 PM ET.
- Venue: The action will take place at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, TN, an outdoor venue.
- Team Records: Both teams hold a season record of 6-1 with conference records of 2-1.
- Team Rankings: Missouri is ranked #15 in the AP poll, while Vanderbilt holds the #10 spot.
- Broadcast Details: Catch the game live on ESPN.
- Betting Odds: Vanderbilt is favored with a moneyline of -154, while Missouri is at +129; the spread is Vanderbilt -3.0.
Vanderbilt Commodores Ready for a Strong Performance Against the Missouri Tigers
Offensive Strengths
The Vanderbilt Commodores have demonstrated remarkable progress this season, especially on the offensive front. Their ability to accumulate 1,503 rushing yards, ranking 19th, showcases their balanced approach between ground and aerial attacks. Such a robust rushing game supports their strategic planning on the field.
In terms of scoring, Vanderbilt has amassed 290 points, ranking them 6th, which speaks volumes about their offensive efficiency. This capability can be pivotal against any defense they encounter, including Missouri’s.
Defensive Resilience
Defensively, Vanderbilt has shown considerable improvement, allowing only 140 points against them, which places them at 71st. Their defensive line has also been quite aggressive, with 20 sacks this season, ranking 9th.
The Commodores have also excelled in creating turnovers, recovering 6 fumbles and snagging 4 interceptions, ranking 4th and 5th respectively. Such figures highlight a defense capable of disrupting opposing offenses effectively.
Recent Game Performances
Vanderbilt’s recent games have been a mix of commanding wins and hard-fought battles. Their latest victory over LSU, with a score of 31-24, emphasizes their ability to come out on top in competitive games.
Despite a setback against Alabama, the Commodores have bounced back with strong performances, defeating teams like Utah State and Georgia State with high-scoring games. Such performances have bolstered their confidence as they prepare for Missouri.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Diego Pavia remains a pivotal player for Vanderbilt, with 1,569 passing yards and 15 touchdowns in just seven games. His performance will be crucial in dictating the offensive flow against Missouri.
Running back Sedrick Alexander is another key player, leading the rushing attack with 364 yards and 6 touchdowns. His contributions on the ground provide balance to Vanderbilt’s offensive strategy.
Team Betting Trends
- Vanderbilt is 5-0 in their last 5 games as favorites.
- The over has hit in 11 of their last 13 games when favored.
- Against the spread, they are 6-1 in their last 7 away games.
- In home games, they are 4-0 straight up this season.
- Vanderbilt has gone over the total in 20 of their last 29 home games.
The Missouri Tigers Gear Up for Another Road Challenge
Offensive Strengths
The Missouri Tigers have displayed an impressive offensive front this season, ranked 10th nationally in points scored with a total of 273. Their rushing attack is particularly formidable, ranking 8th with 1719 rushing yards. This balanced offense is supported by a strong passing game, accumulating 1697 yards, positioning them at 54th.
One of the key contributors to this offensive success is quarterback Beau Pribula, who has amassed 1622 passing yards and 11 touchdowns over seven games. His performance is complemented by running back Ahmad Hardy, who leads the rushing efforts with 840 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Defensive Performance
Defensively, Missouri has been solid, allowing 117 points, placing them 57th in the rankings. Their pass rush has been a highlight, achieving 22 sacks which ranks them 7th. Their secondary has also contributed effectively with four interceptions, ranking 5th.
Missouri’s defensive efforts are further highlighted by their ability to recover fumbles, ranking 8th with two recoveries. This defense has consistently put pressure on opposing offenses, making them a formidable unit.
Recent Game Performances
In their recent outing against Auburn, Missouri secured a 23-17 victory, showcasing their ability to perform in close games. Despite being outperformed in rushing yards, their passing game and first down efficiency gave them the edge.
The Tigers also had a narrow defeat against Alabama, with a 27-24 scoreline. Their resilience was evident as they held Alabama to a tight contest, proving their mettle against top-tier competition.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 22-0 (100%) in last 22 games
- SU – After Loss: 7-0 (100%) in last 7 games
- ATS – As Underdog: 3-0 (100%) in last 3 games
- ATS – Away Games: 12-3 (80%) in last 15 games
- O/U – Away Games: 8-4 (66.7%) in last 12 games
Upcoming Challenges
The Missouri Tigers are preparing to meet the Vanderbilt Commodores next at FirstBank Stadium. This away game is crucial as they aim to extend their winning streak on the road.
With a strong track record of 80% success in their last 30 games, the Tigers are expected to capitalize on their current form. Their balanced offense and steadfast defense will be pivotal as they look to continue their successful campaign.
Vanderbilt vs Missouri Prediction: Over 52.5
Vanderbilt’s offensive capability, ranked 6th in points for this season, suggests a high-scoring potential, especially at home where they’ve maintained a perfect record. Their recent performance against LSU, scoring 31 points, demonstrates their offensive efficiency and ability to find the end zone.
Missouri is not far behind with a 10th place ranking in points for, highlighting their balanced offensive attack with strong rushing and passing yards. Their capability to score is evidenced by their 27 points in the last game of the previous season against Iowa. This balance in offense sets the stage for a high aggregate score.
Historically, when these two teams meet, the outcomes often exceed the set totals, such as in their 2023 meeting where the total went over 53.5. Given the offensive prowess and recent trends of both teams, it’s reasonable to project a game that surpasses the 52.5 total.
With Vanderbilt’s home games typically trending over and both teams ranking within the top 20 for points for, the combined scoring potential makes ‘over 52.5’ the preferable pick. A projected score of Vanderbilt 34 – Missouri 28 aligns with this prediction.
- Vanderbilt vs Missouri Prediction: Over 52.5
- Vanderbilt vs Missouri Score: Vanderbilt 34 – Missouri 28
