By Alec Nederveld
It was impossible to imagine that Vanderbilt could beat Alabama. It hasn’t happened since 1984 and Alabama was ranked #1 coming off the game of the year over Georgia. Instead, Diego Pavia and Co. gave the Tide the letdown of all letdowns.
The Commodores won 40-35, a game they never trailed in and dominated in plays ran (45 to 75) and time of possession (17:52 to 42:08). Pavia led the show, but it was a complete effort from the Vandy offense. Offensive Coordinator and play-caller Tim Beck called a fantastic game. His plan was to run the game through Pavia, letting him make the right decision on numerous zone reads, triple options, and rollouts.
Beck was Pavia’s offensive coordinator at New Mexico State so he knows all about his quarterback, his competitive nature, and his strengths. I was especially impressed with how he ran the triple-option. It seemed like Pavia always made the right read and the play always got positive yards.
Additionally, Beck and Pavia did a fantastic job managing the clock. Alabama’s explosive offense can’t be explosive when it’s off the field. So, Vanderbilt frequently ran the clock down to under 10 seconds on the play clock. It also helps when you get to third and short or manageable, and you convert on them. Vanderbilt went an insane 12-18 on third down, extending drives and tiring the Tide defense.
The Commodores primarily operated out of the pistol formation with anywhere from one to three backs with Pavia. They did go under center somewhat regularly, and also ran shotgun for passing downs, normally in 11 personnel.
It all led to a running offense that was effective, but not particularly glamorous. Vanderbilt backs ran the rock 54 times for 166 yards, only 3.1 yards per carry, with a long of 13 yards as a team. Sedrick Alexander was the lead back with 21 carries, 64 yards, and a pair of scores while AJ Newberry ran seven times for 34 yards. Pavia ran 20 times for 56 yards.
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As a passer, Pavia wasn’t asked to do much but seemed to always make the right play. Much of Vanderbilt’s pass game was set up by the run, leading to quick throws off of rollouts and misdirection. Still, he delivered some big throws when he was asked to, such as this ball on a 4th and 1 to Junior Sherrill.
https://twitter.com/VandyFootball/status/1842698719092957526
Tight End Eli Stowers was the top receiver for Pavia, he caught six passes for 113 yards and was another New Mexico State transfer. His top highlight was a 33-yard completion on a shovel pass, the second-longest play of the day for the Commodores. In total, Pavia went 16-20 for 252 yards and two passing touchdowns, with the additional 56 yards rushing.
Almost as equally impressive as the efficiency was how Pavia and coach Clark Lea‘s team as a whole never backed down. They came out to a hot start early, leading 14-0 then 23-7, but Alabama didn’t back down. The Tide made it a 23-21 game, and they had chances to take the lead. But that never happened.
Alabama got the ball with 6:15 in the third, possessing all the momentum with two straight touchdown drives and two punts from Vanderbilt. There, the Commodores forced a crucial three-and-out and got the ball in plus territory. Four plays later, they got in the end zone. Vanderbilt scored a field goal on the next drive, a touchdown on the one after, and chewed the rest of the clock to end the game on the final drive.
The Commodores defense also stepped up and made some huge plays. Randon Fontenette had a pick-six on the first drive off a tipped pass, and Miles Capers had a crucial strip-sack in the fourth quarter. All things considered, holding Alabama under 400 yards and to 35 points is a win for the defense.
Diego Pavia is one of those players who will do everything possible to win. He may try to do too much sometimes, but against Alabama, Pavia played the best game of his life. What he did against the feared Crimson Tide defense, one week removed from forcing Carson Beck into three interceptions is legendary.
To all the schools who didn’t want Diego Pavia, you missed out.
