Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia Plea to the CFP Selection Committee: A Case for Inclusion
Vanderbilt's football team has had a remarkable season, finishing with a 10-2 record and securing its first 10-win regular season in school history. The Commodores have achieved impressive victories over South Carolina, LSU, Missouri, and Auburn, culminating in a significant 45-24 road win over Tennessee. Despite their outstanding performance, Vanderbilt currently ranks No. 14 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, just outside the postseason field.
In a recent interview with SportsCenter's Matt Barrie, quarterback Diego Pavia passionately argued for the Commodores' inclusion in the CFP. He emphasized the team's strength of schedule, noting that they have beaten several formidable opponents on the road. Pavia stated, 'There's no other 10-2 SEC team left out. And then they have Texas ahead of us, too. I don't know what's going on or what they're thinking up there, but I feel like we deserve to be in the College Football Playoff.'
Pavia also highlighted the team's historical context, suggesting that their lack of a prominent logo might be a factor. He said, 'If we had another logo, we're in the College Football Playoff, no question. And I think if you just put everyone's resume on a piece of paper and you slid it out to the teams that are on the bubble, they're choosing ours every single time.'
Vanderbilt, one of the oldest FBS programs, has historically struggled to compete with the top SEC teams. While they have experienced sporadic success, including three straight bowl seasons under James Franklin from 2011 to 2013, the Commodores have a long history of losing records in the SEC. In a conference dominated by powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, Texas, LSU, and Florida, Vanderbilt has often found itself near the bottom of the standings.
However, this season is different. Part of the reason for Vanderbilt's success can be attributed to Pavia's exceptional performance, which has earned him Heisman-caliber recognition. Across 12 games, he has accumulated 3,192 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, and 826 rushing yards with 9 rushing touchdowns, totaling 4,018 yards of offense, a new program record. Despite their impressive record and Pavia's historic season, Vanderbilt is still missing out on the top-10 wins that the committee values highly.
The CFP selection committee's final decision will be made on December 7. While Vanderbilt cannot control the outcomes of other teams, they can focus on their own performance. The Commodores will aim to secure a spot in the postseason by showcasing their strength and consistency throughout the season.
