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Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has become one of college football’s best stories. The former New Mexico State Aggie transferred to Nashville over the offseason and has made an immediate impact in the SEC.
Pavia’s led the Commodores to wins over Alabama and Auburn, something that hadn’t been done in the program’s history since 1955. He’ll have a chance to add another signature win to his resume this Saturday in Vandy’s regular season finale.
He’ll get his first taste of a rivalry vs. the Tennessee Volunteers this weekend. While the Vols dominate the all-time series in terms of wins and losses, the last 12 years has been nearly split down the middle with UT holding a slim 7-5 advantage.
For that reason, the rivalry has been somewhat re-energized. The two sides, separated by 180 miles, have restored hatred as they gear up for the 118th meeting.
Last year, tensions boiled over resulting in a benches-clearing brawl. It erupted when Tennesse players hit Vanderbilt QB AJ Swann after the whistle on back-to-back plays.
Diego Pavia was asked about the sequence while speaking to the media this week. He said he’s expecting Tennessee players to do their best to rattle him. He won’t be fazed.
“I always expect people to come in trying to hit me late, or something like that. I got the Bulldog mentality. I don’t care what they do, I’ll be here for it.”
Pavia is confident, something that’s been on display all season. It’s his first matchup against Tennessee. He knows about the hate the programs share for one another, and he’ll be ready for anything on Saturday. We’ll see if he can mount the upset!