...
By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Vanderbilt Commodores are ranked in the Top 10 of the AP Poll for the first time since 1947, marking a massive milestone for the program after their 31-24 win over the LSU Tigers.
In the latest AP Poll, Vanderbilt rose from No.17 to No. 10. The school has already made history this season, achieving multiple wins against teams ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time.
Vanderbilt, fittingly, took the spot of LSU in the ranking, which fell from No.10 down to No. 20.
Read More on NCAA
The Commodores are off to their best start since 1950 at 6-1, a complete turnaround for a program that has struggled in recent memory.
...
Vanderbilt's resurgence has been led by head coach Clark Lea and starting quarterback Diego Pavia, both of whom have injected new life into the program.
During their win against LSU at home, Pavia rushed for 86 yards and two touchdowns, and threw for 160 yards with another score. He leads a potent offense that can run the ball at will and then set up easy play-action throws.
"You can't watch him play and not realize what a game changer he is," Lea said regarding Pavia's performance. "There are a lot of good players. There's only a handful to me that can take a game over, and he's one of those."
A year ago, Vanderbilt would have celebrated the victory dramatically — likely storming the field — but this kind of success has become the norm this season.
"Ultimately, we have a lot of season left, and we're going to celebrate this win," Lea said after the win. "I think we've earned the right to celebrate it. But this game won't define our season. And there's a lot more for this team to accomplish."
Vanderbilt gets to build on their magical season and newfound Top 10 ranking next week when it hosts No. 16 Missouri.
Considering how deep the SEC is, the Commodores' season is far from over if they want to play in Atlanta for the Conference Championship.
They still have games on the road at Texas and Tennessee, while also hosting two dangerous conference teams in Auburn and Kentucky.
As long as Pavia and Lea are around, Vanderbilt has a chance to continue their underdog run in the SEC.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines