High-impact ‘Dores quarterback averaging almost 15 carries per game
There’s no question that quarterback Diego Pavia has significantly transformed Vanderbilt’s football team during the first two games of the season.
There’s even more reason to ensure he stays healthy going forward, especially this Saturday when the Commodores (2-0) face Georgia State (1-1) at 6 p.m. (ESPN+).
However, that might be easier said than done due to Pavia’s heavy rushing responsibilities and his intense playing style.
“I’m definitely concerned about the number of hits he takes,” said Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea. “But I also want to be careful not to alter how he plays. We can implement strategies that help, like designing plays for him to hand off or pass. Still, I want to be cautious because we need to establish an identity and stick to it.”
So far, Vanderbilt’s offensive identity has heavily relied on Pavia, the 6-0, 207-pound transfer from New Mexico State, who is averaging 214 total yards per game.
He leads the Commodores with 39 carries for 155 yards (3.97 yards per attempt), averaging 19.5 carries and 77.5 rushing yards per game. He has two rushing touchdowns and has thrown for two of the team’s three passing touchdowns.
Thanks largely to Pavia, Vanderbilt is averaging 211.5 rushing yards per game (33rd in the nation) and 44.5 points per game (tied for 16th in the nation), with six rushing touchdowns (tied for 18th nationally).
But can Pavia’s physical approach endure through a lengthy season and the challenges of an SEC schedule?
Lea acknowledges that he may need to give backup quarterback Nate Johnson some playing time, especially after Johnson’s impressive 56-yard touchdown run in last Saturday’s 55-0 victory over Alcorn State.
“Diego needs to compete, and we must also prepare the other quarterbacks,” Lea said. “[Nate] didn’t get many snaps, but he showcased his playmaking ability with his legs. He’ll be ready when needed. We need to be mindful of Diego’s exposure while playing to our identity.”
Johnson, also a transfer, appeared in eight games for Utah last season, throwing for 499 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for 235 yards and four touchdowns. His 56-yard run against the Braves is the longest by a Power 5 quarterback this season, according to Pro Football Focus, and the fourth-longest by any FBS quarterback.
Lea had hoped for Johnson to see more action against Alcorn State, but the quarterback’s long touchdown, along with scores from the defense and special teams, limited the Commodores’ offensive chances in the second half.
“I wanted him to have more opportunities to throw,” Lea said. “It was unfortunate we couldn’t give him more time. But Nate prepares diligently each week. His time will come, and he’s already had experience at Utah.”
Pavia, Johnson, and the rest of the Commodores aim to secure a 3-0 start for the first time since 2017 when they face Georgia State from the Sun Belt Conference.
Vanderbilt is a 10.5-point favorite against the Panthers, who lost 35-12 to Georgia Tech in their opener before narrowly defeating Chattanooga 24-21 last weekend.
This game marks the Commodores’ first road contest of the season, after going winless in six away games last year.
“The routine doesn’t change much on the road, but the environment does,” Lea noted. “We’ll be in a different hotel and away from our home facilities. Those factors can influence the game if we let them. Ultimately, strong teams perform to their standards, no matter the location. That’s the mindset we want to maintain.”
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