Missouri will welcome Vanderbilt to Faurot Field on Sept. 21. It will close out an opening stretch of four games that the Tigers will expect not to lose, so who will they be going up against when they kick off against the Commodores?
Head Coach
Vandy is led by head coach Clark Lea who will be entering his fourth season and boasts a 9-27 record. Lea cleaned house after a disappointing 2-10 season, firing offensive coordinator Joey Lynch and hired former New Mexico State coordinator Tim Beck.
The Commodores plan to implement an unusual run-heavy option offense that is uncommon for the FBS style. Part of the run attack will see Vandy rotate their guards and tackles; by doing this they will denote a “strong side” and “weak side” so they can always run behind their best duo.
Quarterback
Vanderbilt has two transfer quarterbacks, Nate Johnson (Utah) and Diego Pavia (New Mexico State), who will be expected to battle for the starting spot.
Pavia seems like he has the leg up in the starting battle. Last season he passed for 2,973 yards, 26 touchdowns along with nine interceptions. Pavia also is a threat with his legs, rushing for 928 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He is the perfect quarterback for an option offense.
Johnson played in three games for Utah last season passing for 499 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 235 yards and four touchdowns on 59 carries.
With the running prowess of each quarterback, do not be shocked if they both appear regularly in games.
Skill Positions
Vanderbilt lost its top four receivers to the transfer portal last season but will be looking to replace their production with running backs and tight ends.
Cole Spence has dealt with injuries his first two collegiate seasons but the 6’7″ tight end will look to produce on the receiving and blocking end of the offense.
Sedrick Alexander will be expected to lead the load in the running game. The sophomore led the Commodores in rushing yards (383), attempts (96) and touchdowns (4) last season and Coach Lea will be expecting a sophomore leap.
Defense
The Commodores’ defense to put it simply was awful last year, giving up at least 30 points in ten games and they ranked second-to-last nationally in EPA (Expected Points Added) per play.
Khordae Sydnor (EDGE) and Prince Kollie (Linebacker) are two of the bright spots in the defense. Sydnor is a transfer from Purdue and was named to College Football News’ Honorable Mention Freshman All-America team. He had 22 tackles last season including 6.5 for a loss.
Kollie will be expected to lead the defense and the linebackers this season, he had 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks for Norte Dame in 2022 and did not play last season.
Prediction
Vanderbilt’s offense will be better this season especially with a mobile quarterback calling the shots. The Tigers have not fared well against running QBs the last few seasons so I believe the Commodores will be able to move the ball slightly, but eventually Missouri’s size and skill will be too much. The Tigers’ offense will be too much and Cook and co will be able to move the ball at will.
Final score: Missouri wins 49-20.
