NASHVILLE, Tenn. – True freshman quarterback Matt Zollers was thrust into the fire against the No. 10 Vanderbilt Commodores, as starting quarterback Beau Pribula suffered a game – and season-ending – ankle injury early in the second half. 

Zollers had played in three games prior to Saturday night, each of which were against non-Power-Four opponents. He'd totaled 75 passing yards and one touchdown while completing all six of his passes. Still, he had little experience when turned to in the biggest moment of Missouri's season. 

Defensive back Daylan Carnell knew how important it was for the team to keep spirits high. 

"We wanted to stay high," Carnell said. "It gives Matt confidence. We didn't want to be down on the sideline and Matt feel like nobody had his back. So we tried to keep the energy high to rally behind Matt."

Carnell and his teammates made an effort to support Matt, but it wasn't due to lack of belief. Carnell had seen the work Zollers has put in over the season. 

"He prepped like he's a starter every week," Carnell said. "All through camp, we've seen his arm challenge and what he could do, so it really nothing surprised me today."

Zollers also missed the majority of his senior season of high school with a leg injury. He's still warming back up to a regular playing schedule, and hasn't seen fluid action in years. Even so, he looked composed under the spotlight – unusual for a freshman. 

"Poise in the pocket, finding spots, accurate throws," head coach Eli Drinkwtiz said on the positives Zollers' play. "He did a really good job."

Zollers stepped in and completed 14 of his 23 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown, marching Missouri down the field a scoring drive. Even on the drives he came up short, it was in brutal circumstances. 

Robert Meyer missed a 27-yard field goal on Zollers' first drive. Jamal Roberts fumbled near midfield on the third. And his final drive came up short inches of the goal line, as Kevin Coleman Jr. caught a hail mary on the one-yard line while the clock read zeroes. 

Zollers gave it his all on every drive, and showed leadership in a dark moment. 

"Courage, fearlessness," starting center Connor Tollison said. "He did everything he could when his number was called. Ultimately, that's all you can ask."

Zollers will start the remainder of the regular season for Missouri, and is set to take on four Southeastern Conference opponents: Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Team's will now have the advantage of gameplanning for Zollers, who began the season as Missouri's third string quarterback. 

His team believes in him regardless. 

"He's got a bright future," Tollison said. "I could have told you that. He's done great at practice, his time's now, and we'll see what he can do."