NASHVILLE, Tenn.: Tyler Badie set the offensive pace for the Missouri Tigers on Saturday afternoon with two rushing touchdowns and 294 total yards in a 37-28 Southeastern Conference win over Vanderbilt.
After allowing Missouri (4-4, 1-3) to take a 10-0 first-quarter lead, the Commodores rallied. An interception by Vanderbilts Max Worship at the Commodores 2-yard line set up a scoring drive, culminating with Mike Wright hitting Cam Johnson over the middle for a 7-yard TD.
The Commodores (2-7, 0-5), who have lost 18 straight SEC games, pulled ahead 14-10 in the second quarter on a 10-yard run by Patrick Smith. After a fake Vanderbilt field-goal attempt resulted in a 5-yard rushing loss by kicker Joseph Bulovas, Missouri took over with 15 seconds left in the first half. That was enough time for Connor Bazelak to fire a 45-yard scoring strike to Keke Chism, giving the Tigers a 17-14 lead at halftime.
Missouri extended its lead to 24-14 on a 15-yard TD run by Badie with 5:28 left in the third quarter. Mike Wright connected with Gavin Schoenwald for a 4-yard TD keyed by Wright’s 70-yard run on first down on the ensuing drive to pull the Commodores with three points heading into the final quarter. Wright also set up Vanderbilt’s first TD with a 69-yard run.
Harrison Mevis kicked field goals covering 32 and 52 yards to give Missouri a two-score lead at 30-21 with 5:59 remaining. Wright answered with a 10-play, 75-yard drive, ending with his 6-yard TD toss to Johnson, to cut the Commodores’ deficit to 30-27 with 3:11 left. But Badie’s 73-yard run on first down set up Tyler Macon’s 2-yard TD run to wrap up the the Tigers’ first conference win of the season.
THE TAKEAWAY
Missouri: The Tigers’ offense put together a solid effort. However, Worships interception stopped Missouris scoring streak inside the red zone at 21. Badie entered the game leading the SEC with 13 touchdowns, third nationally. He has 11 rushing touchdowns and has scored a touchdown in each game.
Vanderbilt: Worship has two interceptions this season. He is the fourth Commodore with two or more interceptions. Only Vanderbilt and Alabama have three or more players with multiple interceptions.
UP NEXT
Missouri: The Tigers hit the road to play top-ranked Georgia on Saturday.
Vanderbilt: The Commodores have a bye before hosting Kentucky on Nov. 13.
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