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Joel Klatt sides with Vanderbilt to win, cover vs. Missouri

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax4 hours agoBarkleyTruax
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Columbia, Missouri, USA; Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws a pass against Missouri Tigers defensive tackle Chris McClellan (7) during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

No. 15 Missouri travels to No. 10 Vanderbilt for a big-time matchup in the SEC for Week 9. The Commodores are 2.5-point betting favorites over the Tigers, according to BetMGM.

FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt revealed his pick for the matchup. More importantly, he explained why he’s choosing Vanderbilt to defend their home turf against Missouri — and cover the spread.

“Vanderbilt is favored by 2.5, which is basically a pick ’em. When you’re in a pick ’em, you’ve got to take quarterbacks,” Klatt explained. “And in this matchup, I like the quarterback for Vandy, Diego Pavia, over for Beau Pribula, who’s been throwing the ball to the opposition far too often in the last few weeks.

“So I’ve got Vandy in this, 27-20. Vandy covers -2.5 and their magical season continues.”

Pribula has seven interceptions this season compared to 11 touchdown passes. Pavia’s touchdown-interception ratio is 15-4. The Commodores QB has also been sacked just five times this season thanks to his elusiveness in the pocket. Pribula has taken 17 sacks this season — nearly two and a half per game.

Still, Vanderbilt has been riding high all season long. This could spell disaster for the Commodores, as Missouri also have College Football Playoff aspirations. They’ll be getting the Tigers’ best shot, and could be in store for an upset this weekend.

“There’s some trappiness to this game for Vanderbilt,” Klatt said. “They’re coming off the huge win against LSU. They go to Texas next week, and then, like, here comes little old Mizzou in here. Is this trap territory for a team that’s going to be told all week how great they are? It’s the first time they’re in the top 10, maybe, although that environment should be amazing, it really should.”

There will be major hype surrounding this matchup. Even ESPN’s College GameDay — college football’s flagship game day show — will be in town to add to the big game feel.

Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and will air live on ESPN. The over/under is set at 52.5 total points.

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