Missouri vs. Vanderbilt: James Franklin finds rhythm at right time for Tigers

The Missouri Tigers could need a big game from James Franklin on Saturday against the Vanderbilt Commodores as the Tigers seek their first ever in-conference SEC win. Franklin is coming off one of his best games of the season in last weekend's 21-16 win over Central Florida, in which the quarterback completed 19 of 30 passes for 257 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown pass.

Players and coaches discussed Franklin's performance during Monday's media session. Wide receiver T.J. Moe was particularly impressed:

"I thought he looked great. Really, that was the best and the healthiest he's been since the injury. He was coming out every day and throwing the ball and he had a good week of practice. He also played well in the game. I thought he played with confidence and he played aggressive and did everything we needed him to do. I thought James played really well."

Head coach Gary Pinkel said he thought Franklin played well:

"I thought he played a pretty good game. The one interception he threw wasn't his fault, it was a breakdown in a route. The guy was supposed to run an in route and ran a slight post, so that was not his fault at all. He threw the ball exactly where it was supposed to be thrown. You obviously wouldn't know that unless you knew the design of the play and the route and so on."

The Tigers host the Commodores Saturday night at 7 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast by Fox Sports South.