Diego Pavia's Five TDs Lead Vanderbilt to 35-27 Birmingham Bowl Win Over Georgia Tech

Dec 27, 2024, 11:11 PM

Vanderbilt defeated Georgia Tech 35-27 in the Birmingham Bowl on December 27, securing their first winning season and bowl victory since 2013. Quarterback Diego Pavia set a Vanderbilt bowl record with five touchdowns—three passing and two rushing—and amassed 245 total yards, earning MVP honors. The Commodores led 21-13 entering the fourth quarter and extended their lead to 35-13 before a lightning delay halted the game with 7:17 remaining. After play resumed, Georgia Tech mounted a late comeback, scoring two touchdowns to narrow the gap to 35-27, but Vanderbilt held on for the win. The victory under head coach Clark Lea marks a milestone for the program, which finishes the season with a 7-6 record.