SEC Quarterback Fires Back At Doubters After Overtime Win

Nearly a two touchdown underdog entering the game against Virginia Tech, the Vanderbilt Commodores shocked the college football world in a 34-27 overtime thriller to move to 1-0 on the 2024 season.

Oddsmakers didn't expect a good showing from Vanderbilt, either, as the Commodores were considered as 13.5-point underdogs ahead of kickoff.

Vanderbilt wouldn't have been in the position to win the game in the final period without a stellar performance from first-year starting quarterback Diego Pavia, a New Mexico State transfer. The 2023 Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year made his presence felt with 190 yards passing and two touchdowns, along with 26 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Pavia silenced his doubters with a quick reference to those to compared him to former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley.

“Someone said I’m a poor man’s Trace McSorley," Pavia said after the game . "When you stop me, then you can talk.”

An attitude like this is just what Vanderbilt needs. The program has been the laughing stock of the SEC for years and hasn't secured a winning season since 2013. Head coach Clark Lea should be credited with signing Pavia out of the transfer portal to help the Commodores turn things around.

Of course, it's a long season and Vanderbilt still has to face the wrath of an SEC slate. But if the Commodores can build off this upset win, the tide may change in Nashville.

Vanderbilt will face Alcorn State at home next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, while the Hokies will try and bounce back at home against Marshall at 4:30 p.m. ET.

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