What words did Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia used to describe his first Tennessee showdown?
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has yet to experience the intense rivalry with Tennessee. The upcoming 117th matchup between the two schools will feature the star Commodores QB for the first time.
Pavia is set to throw his first pass and take his first keeper run in this clash between the founding members of the Southeastern Conference. Despite Vanderbilt being 10.5-point underdogs going into Saturday’s game, the outspoken dual-threat quarterback isn’t holding back in expressing his thoughts about the upcoming rivalry.
He referenced a quote commonly used by players from both teams to describe their fierce competition, as reported by Tennessean journalist Aria Gerson.
That’s correct—Pavia has already labeled this game as “life or death.” These same three words have been echoed by several players from Vanderbilt and Tennessee to describe the matchup. Pavia is already feeling the intensity surrounding it.
While he has previously competed in a significant rivalry game in New Mexico, he is now in SEC territory. This game marks the oldest rivalry in the SEC and carries more than just state bragging rights. Pavia and the Vanderbilt team are likely eager to spoil the Volunteers’ chances of achieving a 10-win season, as well as any remaining hope for a College Football Playoff spot.
Has Diego Pavia’s numbers declined before Vanderbilt-Tennessee game?
Pavia gradually emerged as an unexpected star in the SEC and college football this season, capturing the admiration of Vandy fans by Week 5.
He accumulated 308 total yards and threw two touchdowns in a thrilling 40-35 upset against the former No. 1 Alabama, who were significant 22.5-point favorites to defeat Pavia and his team. Pavia demonstrated his leadership skills during the critical final offensive drive against Alabama, helping secure the stunning victory.
That victory triggered a three-game winning streak and a spot in the national rankings. He contributed two touchdowns in subsequent wins against Kentucky and Ball State. However, has he experienced a decline in his performance?
In a game against No. 5 Texas, he was intercepted twice while the team lost to Vanderbilt 27-24. He did throw two touchdowns in a 17-7 road win over Auburn, but had only nine completions in that game. In back-to-back losses to LSU and South Carolina, he has registered just one touchdown pass over the last eight quarters and hasn’t surpassed 275 passing yards since the Ball State game on October 19. Additionally, he dealt with a “confusing injury” from the South Carolina matchup.
Despite this recent slump, Pavia has still put up solid statistics. As he enters Nashville’s FirstBank Stadium, he has accumulated 2,700 total yards from passing and rushing, along with 22 total touchdowns (six rushing). He is also among the best in the nation at protecting the football, having thrown only three interceptions.
He understands that Saturday’s game is “life or death” for him, but he’s clearly eager to experience one of college football’s oldest rivalries.
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