Defeated the elite squad! Yes, it’s the biggest and first triumph in the program’s history. Under head coach Clark Lea, the Vanderbilt Commodores (3-2) defeated Alabama on Saturday, 40–35. “Emotion is the intended outcome. I bled a lot into this,” said HC Clark Lea. Additionally, he stated that it feels wonderful to be able to celebrate with the group of people he loves and cares about, and hopes to continue doing it in the future. But do you know anything regarding the experience or coaching skills of Vanderbilt’s head coach?

In 2021, he joined Vanderbilt Commodores. Before that, from 2018 to 2020, he served the University of Notre Dame as a defensive coordinator. However, in 2006, Lea started working as a graduate assistant coach at UCLA. After that, he worked for several programs like Bowling Green State, South Dakota State, and so on. Now in his fourth season with Vanderbilt, Lea has achieved milestones, despite the team’s overall challenges.

Under Lea, who has an overall record of 11-29, the Commodores have experienced three losing seasons. However, Lea returned to Vanderbilt after coaching in nine bowl games, including two College Football Playoff semifinals. While at Notre Dame, he created a defense that helped the Fighting Irish finish the regular season 10-0 and with a No. 2 national rating, which helped them make an appearance in the 2020 ACC Championship Game. But the Commodores haven’t gone to a bowl game yet. This year can prove as a bliss to Vanderbilt Commodores as well as Clark Lea. 

After winning against Alabama, Clark stated, “This isn’t a finish point, but it’s a hell of an arrival.” Adding, “This is the dream right here. For the next 12 hours, I’m going to enjoy the dream.” You can appreciate how intense this victory was. But you cannot overlook Diego Pavia, the quarterback for Vanderbilt, who made a significant contribution to this victory in addition to Clark. Let’s dive deep into it.

Clark Lea’s confidence in Vanderbilt’s QB Diego Pavia

“Every time he touches the ball, we have a chance. I love him. In so many ways, he embodies the program that we’re building. Tonight, he deserves this stage. I’m proud of him, love him and I’m glad he’s our quarterback,” said Lea, praising Pavia. He was the star of that night, there is no doubt. In order to prolong drives, Pavia either slipped past defenders or converted third down after third down with passes to help Vanderbilt play keep-away. The ball was held by the Commodores for about 42 minutes.

In the victory over the Crimson Tide, Pavia completed 16 of 20 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. On the day, he also had 20 carries for 56 rushing yards. Now, you get how talented Pavia is as a player. But there weren’t many rose petals on the road. Pavia came into the game with a lot of baggage after failing to get recruited by more famous colleges. The talented athlete is presently working to get better and break records for Vanderbilt, though. Let’s wait and watch his next performance.