Diego Pavia: Vanderbilt QB talks going through Alabama in Tuscaloosa

Alabama soccer should defend a well-recognized villain this week. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is coming to city.

Pavia led the Commodores group a season in the past that upset then-No. 1 Alabama in Nashville 40-35. Then forward of the 2025 season, Pavia managed to realize yet another 12 months of eligibility, making it doable for him to guide No. 16 Vanderbilt into Bryant-Denny Stadium to attempt to upset the No. 10 Crimson Tide once more.

“Tuscaloosa will be a good, fun time,” Pavia mentioned after Vanderbilt beat Utah State. “I’ve never played there. I think a few of the guys have been there. This is what you come into the SEC for, big games like this. We’ll be real excited to go down there and check them out.”

Alabama (3-1, 1-0 SEC) will play host to Vanderbilt (5-0, 1-0) on Saturday (2:30 p.m. CT, ABC) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Tuscaloosa will even be the placement of ESPN’s College GameDay previous to the matchup.

“That stadium is electric,” Pavia mentioned about going through Alabama again in July. “I’ve heard about it. And you, just going to come down to who’s more prepared that week and who wants it more.”

In his first sport in opposition to Alabama a 12 months in the past, Pavia accomplished 16 of 20 passes (80%) for 252 yards and two touchdowns. He additionally rushed 20 occasions for 56 yards.

This season, Pavia has accomplished 94 of 126 passes (74.6%) for 1,211 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions. Meanwhile, he has rushed 48 occasions for 294 yards and two extra scores.

Pavia’s in his second season with the Commodores. He transferred from New Mexico State, the place he beat Auburn in 2023. Then he did it once more in 2024 to go together with his win over Alabama.

Pavia has not misplaced to SEC groups within the state of Alabama, and he’ll look to proceed that streak this week.