Diego Pavia makes case for Vanderbilt in the College Football Playoff: 'We're the most dangerous team'

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia made the case for the Commodores to make the College Football Playoff after finishing the regular season 10-2. A Heisman favorite, he might have a point despite the hurdles in the upcoming CFP rankings.

Beating Tennessee to end the year concluded a historic regular season for Vanderbilt. But will Pavia’s argument have merit when it comes to the 12-team field? If Vandy gets in though, watch out.

“Our backs have been against the wall since that loss against Texas, you know,” Pavia said on Wake Up Barstool. “And I feel like we just, ever since then, it’s like, keep swinging, and then obviously, the whole team’s backed by it. We’re just like, all down for it, you know? And it’s just, I think it’s infectious, and our whole team’s ready for the playoffs, and I can’t wait for the committee to select us, and, you know, get in. And I feel like we’re the most dangerous team. You look at film and tape and our numbers, dude, we’re the most dangerous team in the country right now. I feel like you got to put us in.”

One caveat to Pavia’s argument is Alabama. The Crimson Tide beat Vanderbilt head to head this season and are playing for an SEC title. Pavia conceded that Alabama should get in regardless, even if they lose to Georgia in a rematch for the conference crown.

“I mean, they’re in the SEC championship,” Pavia said. “I feel like if you play in the championship, you should be in it, you know? But I don’t know. I don’t know what the committee’s rules are or what it is, but I feel like if you’re 10-2 in the best conference, you got to go.”

Vanderbilt ranked No. 14 last week and will have to somehow jump fellow 10-2 teams Utah and Miami in order to have a fighting chance. Not to mention 11-1 BYU and 10-2 Notre Dame are well above them as well. If Vanderbilt makes the CFP, Pavia will surely make them a factor.

“I just don’t know what else he needs to do,” head coach Clark Lea told ESPN’s Cole Cubelic. “He needs to be in New York. He’s the best player in the country. He showed it again tonight.

“And it wasn’t perfect. I think one of his best attributes is his resilience. He battled through the interceptions and I think he led our team in critical moments. Again, the way this team played in the second half, it’s just a credit to our players and staff. I’m so proud of them.”