Diego Pavia, the quarterback for Vanderbilt, finds himself in a challenging position in the race for the Heisman Trophy. Despite his impressive performances this season, he may face an uphill battle against Fernando Mendoza, the standout quarterback from Indiana.
Recently, Pavia attended UFC 323, likely attempting to divert his mind from the pressures of football. However, as he walked into the event wearing a prominent silver chain, it was hard to ignore the ongoing competition for the College Football Playoff. Throughout the night, he must have been tempted to check the performance of Mendoza, who was playing in the BIG 10 Championship Game. By halftime, Pavia”s Heisman odds looked promising, but by the end of the game, Mendoza had significantly improved his standing, making him the clear favorite with odds of -2500.
As Pavia returned home, he must have felt the weight of the moment as Mendoza addressed the media with confidence and charisma. With both players” seasons nearing completion, it appears that Pavia”s achievements outshine those of Jeremiah Love, the running back from Notre Dame. This leaves Pavia and Mendoza as the frontrunners for the prestigious award.
The argument for Pavia remains strong. He leads in several statistical categories compared to his competitors, including passing and rushing yards, as well as rushing touchdowns. “I just hope everyone looks at the stats,” Pavia stated regarding his Heisman candidacy following Vanderbilt”s victory over Tennessee. “I think the numbers speak for themselves, and obviously, the best player in the country goes off the numbers and tape.” He emphasized that this confidence is based on performance, not arrogance.
Pavia”s campaign for the Heisman has garnered attention, especially with a merchandise line promoting the “#2Turnt” slogan and a memorable touchdown run against Tennessee. Additionally, Clark Lea, Vanderbilt”s head coach, has been a vocal supporter of his quarterback. Yet, as the announcement date for the Heisman approaches on December 13, the reality is that Mendoza”s performance, despite being less than stellar with just 222 passing yards, one touchdown, and an interception, might be enough to secure him the award.
According to the latest Vegas odds, Pavia stands at +1400, indicating that he may not be the frontrunner. Mendoza”s undefeated record at 13-0, his conference championship, and his team”s upcoming appearance in the College Football Playoff give him a significant advantage, especially as Pavia is a sixth-year player. While Pavia has achieved victories, he has also faced losses that may leave voters hesitant.
Though it seems unlikely that Pavia will claim the Heisman, the narrative surrounding him could shift in the remaining days. His journey as one of college football”s most compelling stories deserves recognition, and Vanderbilt continues to advocate for him. “I don”t know what else to say,” Lea remarked, “It is my belief that he is the best football player in the country.”
