BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Vanderbilt Commodores celebrated their long-awaited return to postseason glory with a thrilling 35-27 victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Birmingham Bowl on December 27, 2024. This triumph not only marked Vanderbilt's first bowl victory since 2013 but also wrapped up their first winning season since then, as they finished the year at 7-6.
Quarterback Diego Pavia, the game MVP, played a pivotal role throughout the match, demonstrating leadership and resilience. He threw for three touchdown passes and rushed for two more, accounting for five of the team's scores. Pavia's statistics were impressive—he completed 13 of 21 passes for 160 yards and accumulated 84 rushing yards on 17 carries. His explosive performance included a 7-yard touchdown pass to Quincy Skinner Jr. and impressive runs, including a 6-yard scoring run late in the game.
This game represented more than just another contest for Vanderbilt; it symbolized the end of a prolonged stretch of disappointment. A year prior, the Commodores had stumbled through the season with only two wins. Under the guidance of head coach Clark Lea, this season turned around dramatically thanks to strategic retooling of the coaching staff and key player acquisitions, including Pavia from New Mexico State. His arrival breathed new life and energy, as he orchestrated key drives and significant plays.
The match unfolded under the thrilling backdrop of competitive college football, punctuated by pivotal moments and a palpable intensity. After entering the fourth quarter with a commanding 35-13 lead, the Commodores seemed poised to cruise to victory. But Georgia Tech made strides to rally, with quarterback Haynes King completing two touchdown passes, narrowing the gap to just eight points with less than five minutes left to play.
Georgia Tech's performance saw King making 25 completions out of 33 attempts, totaling 204 yards along with three touchdown passes and one interception. The rushing attack was equally commendable, with running back Haynes contributing 136 yards on 17 carries and adding five receptions for another 32 yards. Still, Georgia Tech's attempts to claw their way back fell short as their onside kick failed to recover the ball, quashing their hopes for one last comeback.
One notable moment came late when Pavia’s flashy play drew scrutiny from the officials after he flipped the football over the stands following one of his runs, resulting in a personal foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. Nevertheless, the penalties did not derail his performance, and he continued to deliver key plays when they were most needed.
Vanderbilt finished the game with fewer penalties and turnovers compared to Georgia Tech, whose eight penalties added up to 90 yards and included two turnovers, both leading directly to scoring opportunities for the Commodores. Such discipline and execution highlighted their growth and determination under adverse conditions.
The Yellow Jackets' performance was undeniably impacted by their recent player departures to the transfer portal, diminishing their depth and adaptability. Losing key players like edge rusher Romello Heights and top receiver Eric Singleton Jr. hindered their offensive dynamics throughout the season, culminating in this challenging bowl match.
Looking forward, Vanderbilt's future appears optimistic. The victory not only cements the program's momentum but also clears the way for Pavia's return for another season, pending NCAA approval following recent legal actions. This development raises hopes for Commodore fans eager for continued growth and competitive performance.
With the bowl win behind them, Vanderbilt is set to build on this foundation as they head toward the upcoming season, aiming to leverage their recent successes to attract talent, energize fan support, and improve performance within the SEC.
