Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia sends upbeat message ahead of facing Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama in Week 6
The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0, 1-0, SEC) are cruising in the 2024 college football season. However, their next opponent – the Vanderbilt Commodores – (2-2, 0-1) are looking to stop Kalen DeBoer’s men in their tracks.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is one such athlete who’s not backing down and expecting an outcome just because of Alabama’s might. Gearing up for a massive Week 6 showdown against Alabama, Pavia was asked about facing the powerhouse Crimson Tide. The QB had a confident response (via AL.com):
“The only person that knows who's going to win on Saturday is God. We'll be prepared. We're going to do everything we can to win a football game."
Vanderbilt, which nearly pulled off an upset against Missouri in Week 4, isn't looking to be intimidated by Alabama's imposing defense. Pavia threw for 178 yards and two touchdowns on 14 receptions in the Commodores' 30-27 loss to the Tigers. He also rushed for a team-high 84 yards on 17 carries.
Pavia, who transferred from New Mexico State alongside offensive coordinator Tim Beck, has breathed new life into Vanderbilt’s offense.
This season, the dual-threat quarterback has six passing touchdowns and 721 yards with zero interceptions. With Alabama on the horizon, Diego Pavia and Co. will look to defy the odds and keep their impressive fight going on Saturday.
Also Read: 3 Vanderbilt players who could pose a threat to Jalen Milroe's Alabama in Week 6
Diego Pavia garners praise from Alabama DC
The Vanderbilt ace has caught the eye of Alabama’s defensive coordinator ahead of their clash at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville. The QB has turned heads with his ability to extend plays and make non-traditional moves on the field is causing waves.
"He’s a real baller," Alabama’s Kane Wommack said while praising Pavia’s physicality and leadership via SI.com. "He’s going to be challenging for us when you look at an option-style offense and the way their quarterback navigates their offense."
Pavia has thrown for 368 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions against Power 4 teams this season. He has also recorded 188 rushing yards and a touchdown. Wommack’s defensive system has faced mobile quarterbacks before, but Pavia’s “option-style offense” and ability to create plays from nothing make him especially dangerous.
"It’s not his running we’re worried about — it’s his ability to extend plays," said Alabama's safeties coach Colin Hitschler.
While Alabama enters the game as a heavy favorite, Diego Pavia could make things interesting if the Crimson Tide isn’t prepared for his unique skill set.