ESPN’s College GameDay is making its way to Vanderbilt University for an exciting Week 9 matchup between Missouri and Vanderbilt. This highly anticipated SEC showdown will take place in Nashville, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 PM CT on ESPN. Fans can watch the game for free via various streaming options, adding to the excitement of this college football spectacle.
Wyatt Lawn, a Vanderbilt senior, will host the broadcast, while a celebrity guest picker—likely a Nashville star—will join the crew for predictions. With both teams ranked in the AP Top 15, this game carries significant playoff implications, promising a must-watch experience for college football enthusiasts.
- ESPN’s College GameDay is heading to Vanderbilt for a high-stakes SEC showdown between Missouri and Vanderbilt, with playoff implications on the line.
- Fans can watch the game for free via ESPN+ or other streaming trials, with kickoff at 2:30 PM CT.
- Wyatt Lawn, a Vanderbilt student, will host the broadcast, and a celebrity guest picker—likely a Nashville star—will join for predictions.
- Missouri is favored by 3.5 points, but Vanderbilt’s strong defense and home-field advantage make it a close matchup.
- Tailgating and parking details are provided for fans attending the event, with special activities starting at 7:00 AM.
ESPN’s College GameDay Heads to Vanderbilt: Everything You Need to Know
ESPN’s “College GameDay” is making its way to Vanderbilt University for Week 9, setting the stage for an epic SEC showdown between Missouri and Vanderbilt. This highly anticipated matchup is brimming with playoff implications, as both teams are ranked in the AP Top 15 and looking to solidify their positions in the College Football Playoff race. The game will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN, with fans having the opportunity to watch for free through various streaming options.
Wyatt Lawn, a Vanderbilt senior and communications major, has been selected to host the event, adding a local touch to the broadcast. Additionally, a celebrity guest picker—likely a Nashville star—will join the crew for their weekly predictions segment. The GameDay set will be located on Vanderbilt’s campus, bringing the iconic pregame show to Nashville for the first time since 2013.



Why Vanderbilt Was Chosen for College GameDay
The selection of Vanderbilt as the host site is somewhat surprising, given the program’s past struggles. However, the Commodores’ impressive 6-1 start this season, led by breakout quarterback Jeremy Cook, has captured national attention. Combined with Nashville’s vibrant atmosphere and the high stakes of the game, Vanderbilt proved to be an ideal location for College GameDay.
ESPN’s crew is known for seeking unique and compelling backdrops for their show, and Vanderbilt’s blend of academic prestige and emerging football relevance offers just that. The campus’s picturesque setting and the passionate fan base add to the event’s appeal.



How to Watch Missouri vs Vanderbilt for Free: Streaming Options
Fans eager to catch this pivotal SEC matchup without a cable subscription have several legal streaming options available. The game will air on ESPN, and viewers can access it for free through platforms that offer the ESPN channel as part of their free trial periods. Here are the top streaming options:
- ESPN+: 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
- FuboTV: 7-day free trial includes ESPN.
- DirecTV Stream: Free trial available with ESPN access.
- Sling TV: Special promotional offers for new users.



Guest Picker Predictions: Who Will Represent Nashville?
The guest picker segment is a fan-favorite part of College GameDay, and Nashville’s deep pool of celebrity talent offers plenty of exciting possibilities. Rumors suggest that the guest picker could be a prominent figure from the music or sports world. Here are the top contenders:
| Celebrity | Connection | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Dierks Bentley | Country star, Vanderbilt parent | High |
| Dansby Swanson | MLB star, Vanderbilt alum | Medium-High |
| Nate Bargatze | Comedian, Tennessee native | Medium |





Betting Odds and Predictions: Who’s the Favorite?
Sportsbooks currently have Missouri listed as 3.5-point favorites over Vanderbilt, with the over/under set at 54.5 points. This relatively close line reflects the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. Missouri boasts an explosive offense led by quarterback Chase Cook, while Vanderbilt has relied on its stout defense, which allows just 18 points per game on average.
Key betting trends to consider include Missouri’s 5-2 record against the spread this season and Vanderbilt’s 4-1 record when covering at home. Additionally, the under has hit in six of Vanderbilt’s seven games this year, suggesting a potential low-scoring affair.



Tailgating and Parking at Vanderbilt: A Comprehensive Guide
With College GameDay arriving before sunrise, Vanderbilt has implemented special parking procedures for Saturday. Here’s a breakdown of the best parking options and tailgating spots:
| Location | Opens | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th Avenue Garage | 5:30 AM | $30 | Closest to GameDay set |
| Wesley Place Garage | 6:00 AM | $25 | 10-minute walk |
| Centennial Park | 6:00 AM | $20 | Shuttle service available |




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