Fri Sep 20 08:08:19 UTC 2024: ## Missouri Football Aims for 4-0 Start Against Vanderbilt
**Columbia, MO** – The Missouri Tigers are looking to start the season 4-0 for the second year in a row as they face the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday at Faurot Field. While Vanderbilt already has a power-conference win under their belt after defeating Virginia Tech in Week 1, they are coming off a loss to Georgia State.
Missouri’s defense is expected to ramp up the pressure on Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, especially after the Tigers kept a lid on Boston College’s quarterback in their last game. The Tigers’ edge rushers have been effective at generating pressure, creating tipped balls and containing opponents, and they are poised to unleash their full potential against Vanderbilt.
On offense, the Tigers’ running game has been consistent, but their passing attack needs to find more explosiveness. Quarterback Brady Cook needs more time in the pocket to find his receivers, which means the offensive line will need to shore up their protection.
The secondary is also a concern for Missouri after several blown coverages in their last game. While starting safety Joseph Charleston’s status is still up in the air, backup Tre’Vez Johnson showed his potential last week with his first interception for the Tigers.
While the Tigers are favored to win, head coach Eli Drinkwitz stressed the importance of eliminating costly mistakes on both sides of the ball.
“Five plays can get you beat on defense,” said Drinkwitz. “If 10 people do things right, but one messes up on five plays, you give up explosive plays that get you beat.”
With a win, Missouri will head to College Station, Texas, to face Texas A&M with a perfect record.
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