BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In an impressive conclusion to a remarkable season, Diego Pavia shone for Vanderbilt, leading them to a 35-27 triumph against Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl. This victory marked Vanderbilt’s first winning season since 2013, finishing the year with a record of 7-6, an impressive turnaround from a previously challenging 2-10 season.
Pavia, a transfer from New Mexico State, showcased his significant contributions by throwing three touchdown passes and rushing for two additional scores. With this performance, he set a tone for the Commodores, bringing hope and ambition to the team. “This is just a stepping stone of what we want to do here at Vanderbilt,” he stated confidently. “We’ve got bigger dreams.”
His explosive play began late in the third quarter during a six-minute stretch where he was instrumental in the team’s scoring. Although Georgia Tech attempted to mount a comeback after trailing 35-13, a weather delay with 7:17 remaining pushed Vanderbilt’s celebration for their first bowl win in over a decade.
“That was a tough fight and I knew it wasn’t going to be easy and the weather delay added a layer that we had to overcome,” remarked Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea after the game. Pavia finished with 160 passing yards on 13-of-21 attempts, along with 84 rushing yards on 17 carries. He also threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Quincy Skinner Jr. and scored on a 6-yard rush in the fourth quarter.
Despite the loss, Georgia Tech’s Haynes King made a strong effort to lead his team back into contention, tossing a 9-yard TD pass to Jamal Haynes and then a 2-yarder to Bailey Stockton in the waning moments. However, both attempts at onside kicks were unsuccessful. “I thought the character of our team showed with the final seven minutes of the game, how they fought through adversity and continued to play until the end of the game,” said Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key.
King completed 25 of his 33 passes for 204 yards, throwing three touchdowns and one interception. Additionally, running back Haynes recorded 136 yards on 17 carries and added five receptions for 32 yards.
Vanderbilt took a significant lead midway through the third quarter when Pavia connected with Eli Stowers for a 3-yard touchdown pass, giving Vanderbilt a 21-13 advantage. The drive was characterized by several penalty calls and a notable unsportsmanlike conduct call against Key, who protested a pass interference decision during the drive.
Both teams faced multiple penalties throughout the contest, with Georgia Tech ultimately accumulating eight penalties for 90 yards along with two turnovers that resulted in touchdowns for Vanderbilt. The Yellow Jackets had already seen two key players depart due to the transfer portal, underscoring their struggles during the game.
The victory is indicative of a dramatic transformation for Vanderbilt under coach Lea, who, after a rough previous season, restructured the coaching staff and significantly improved the team’s performance through new recruits. “We’ve come a long way in 12 months,” Lea said, reflecting on the team’s growth.
Looking ahead, the future appears promising for Vanderbilt, with news that a federal judge has cleared Pavia to return for another season, contingent upon an NCAA appeal. Georgia Tech’s King also has the opportunity to make a comeback next season, adding excitement to the prospect of enhanced competition in the future.
