New-No. 8 Alabama’s defense once again proved unstoppable in the second half, shutting out now-No. 20 Vanderbilt in the final two quarters to secure a 30-14 victory over the Commodores at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
For Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer, the win served as personal revenge against the team that ended the season’s undefeated streak with a shocking 40-35 upset in Nashville last year.
Vanderbilt’s offense was held to just 109 total yards after halftime, including a mere nine rushing yards, while Alabama forced three turnovers. QB Diego Pavia, who had been a standout previously, struggled under pressure, finishing 21-of-36 for 188 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.
Diego Pavia Reflects on Performance and SEC Challenges
Following the game, Pavia remained candid about the team’s mindset and his personal responsibility.
“I don’t know, first is recovery… we’re not too far off, it was 14-14 for the best second-half team in the country. Which kinda shows we didn’t play Vanderbilt football. That’s what it comes down to. We’re pressure fighters… we just gotta get back on the drawing board,” Pavia said.
He continued, “This game was fun because we’ve got every single goal that we want out in front of us. That’s a national championship. Alabama has a loss. We have a loss. A lot of people in the SEC have a loss. We just gotta win out,” he added, signaling resilience despite the defeat.
“We’ve got every single goal that we want out in front of us. That’s a national championship. Alabama has a loss. We have a loss. A lot of people in the SEC have a loss. We just gotta win out.” – Diego Pavia after Vanderbilt’s loss at Alabama pic.twitter.com/34NKMV96MS
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) October 5, 2025
Pavia also carried the ball more frequently than the running backs, recording 11 carries, though Vanderbilt largely abandoned the run in key moments while playing from behind. His struggles were compounded by two red-zone turnovers and a late interception.
Diego Pavia Prepares for NFL While Reflecting on Final Season, Bond with HC Clark Lea
The 2025 season marks Pavia’s final college year. The 24-year-old has already ruled out seeking an extra season of eligibility while preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft. He also earlier announced on social media that this is going to be his last season.
He has thrown for 1,409 yards with 14 touchdowns and four interceptions, alongside 352 rushing yards and two rushing scores, putting him on the Heisman radar despite the recent setback.
“I love playing for Coach Lea,” Pavia added. “I told him that I hope he gets an NFL job and he takes me with him. I love that guy, and I appreciate him for everything he’s done for me. I wouldn’t want to go to battle with any other head coach in the SEC.”
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His comments underscored the deep bond with head coach Clark Lea, who has helped Pavia develop into a dual-threat quarterback capable of competing at the highest level of the SEC.
No. 20 Vanderbilt (5-1, 1-1 SEC) now looks ahead to No. 11 LSU at FirstBank Stadium on October 18. They must refine their execution and limit mistakes to remain a contender for the SEC title.
Even with Alabama’s loss, Pavia and Lea have demonstrated that Vanderbilt can compete with the SEC’s upper tier, signaling optimism for both the remainder of the season and the quarterback’s upcoming professional pursuits.
