QB Diego Pavia had a significant influence on Saturday’s 31-24 win against LSU, marking the best start to a season for Vanderbilt in over 75 years. The victory meant that it was their first win over an AP Top 10 team since Alabama last season. So, it seems like everything is going in the favor of the Commodores, which raises a question: How did they become so good?

The Commodores faithful have Diego Pavia and HC Clark Lea to thank for it. The duo have put on a shift, performing endlessly when it matters the most and the recent AP Poll shows it. Cole Cubelic shared their recent ranking in a post on X. The AP Poll ranks them at #10, which is their first time since 1947. This showcases how good the star QB has been this season, making Vanderbilt one of the top sides in the SEC.

He was instrumental in the win against LSU, putting on a class dual-threat performance against the Tigers. The 24-year-old completed 14 out of 22 passes for 160 yards along with 1 passing TD. And his rushing game was impressive too, with 17 carries for 86 yards and 2 rushing TDs. As a leader, he has been dictating the offensive game for Vanderbilt, who have looked exciting with their plays. However, Diego Pavia couldn’t have done it without the system that Clark Lea built around him.

After taking the helm in 2020, Clark Lea has worked towards building a team that can face the best in college football. He implemented the importance of discipline and fundamentals, which helped Vanderbilt to have a breakout year in 2024. Their win against then No.1 seeded Alabama was a testimony to the progress that Vanderbilt has made under Clark Lea.

The win against LSU is a sign that Vanderbilt are a serious team this season. The Commodores are averaging 41.4 points per game, ranked 8th nationally, and have allowed only 20 points per game, which shows that they are playing good and just barely edging past their opponents. After Saturday, Vanderbilt has a 6-1 record and is currently sitting in 8th position in the SEC.

But the job is not done yet. Next week, they face a rejuvenated Missouri at the FirstBank in what would be a banger SEC clash.

Diego Pavia will need to have another outstanding performance against Missouri

While the victory against LSU was impressive, it is far from over for Diego Pavia and Clark Lea. They have another SEC test coming their way this week in the form of Missouri. The Tigers hold a significant advantage when it comes to historical performance. With 11-4-1 vs. Vanderbilt, and also victories in the last 5 matchups. Even in last season’s game, Missouri edged the Commodores 30-27 in overtime in Columbia. That was last season what about this season?

Missouri bounced back from their close defeat from Alabama, outplaying Auburn 23-17 away from home. QB Beau Pribula looked good, completing 23 out of 40 throws for 252 yards. But the real threat on the night was RB Ahmad Hardy, who terrorized the Auburn defense with his runs. In 24 carries for 58 yards, Hardy completed 2 TDs, which was enough for Missouri to win the game. With how the season has progressed for Vanderbilt, they will look to take advantage of the gaps between the Missouri defense.

With College GameDay coming to Vanderbilt, for only the second time, there definitely is extra pressure. In fact, the Commodores HC would love to get one over, as they have never won against Missouri in Clark Lea’s tenure.