FirstBank Stadium — Vanderbilt football's home ground — has rarely erupted into a cacophony of noise like it did on Saturday, the day that the Commodores downed No. 1 Alabama, 40-35
Then again, few men have proven as capable of leading the ensemble of cheers, screams and ululations that swirled across the 39.790-seat colosseum as Diego Pavia.
Vanderbilt's signal-caller was the best player on turf in Saturday's upset, ripping the Crimson Tide's vaunted defense to shreds not only with his arm, but his legs, too.
Pavia completed 16-of-22 passes for 252 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He tallied an additional 56 yards on 20 carries, outshining Heisman hopeful Jalen Milroe in the process.
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Saturday's result represents a new peak for Pavia, one of college football's more under-appreciated gunslingers. Here's what you need to know about the New Mexico native who dazzled when the lights were at their brightest.
Diego Pavia postgame interview
Pavia captivated the masses not only with his impressive play, but also his mighty mouth following Saturday's stunner. Speaking with ESPN's Alyssa Lang as a tempest of Commodores streamed onto the field, Pavia fired off an epic homily detailing his journey to the top of the college football pyramid. That sermon included a bit of choice language.
"VANDY WE'RE FUCKING TURNT."
- Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia. pic.twitter.com/RK46inCmA0
Given the scenes that took over FirstBank Stadium after the final whistle, that seemed an astute observation.
DOWN GOES THE FIELD GOAL POSTS!!! pic.twitter.com/oGqGLNNGJd
— Vanderbilt Football (@VandyFootball) October 6, 2024
Who is Diego Pavia?
Hailing from Albuquerque, Pavia hardly could've imagined starting games for Vanderbilt while he was growing up. The 6-foot hurler was a standout for Volcano Vista High School, tallying nearly 2,000 yards of total offense during his senior season with the Hawks.
Pavia yearned to play at New Mexico State. To get there, he had to take a detour, spending two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute. He accrued 2,664 yards and 31 touchdowns in the air. On the ground, Pavia was similarly effective, racking up totals of 1,107 yards and 15 scores.
Pavia's strong play brought interest from a host of suitors. His heart was set on the Aggies and their then-head coach, Jerry Kill.
During his two seasons with New Mexico State, Pavia shone, quietly becoming one of college football's most effective dual-threat operators. He earned Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2023 after collecting nearly 4,000 yards from scrimmage and 33 touchdowns (26 passing, 7 rushing).
Kill joined Vanderbilt's staff in the offseason. Pavia followed suit shortly thereafter. Vanderbilt fans will be thanking their lucky stars for that decision.
