Diego Pavia loves playing Hugh Freeze.

The Vanderbilt quarterback started for New Mexico State when the Aggies downed Auburn last season, and now he’s back in The Plains with the Commodores.

Vanderbilt vs. Auburn has been an ugly one to start, but Vanderbilt hopped out to an early 7-0 lead thanks to Pavia. While under pressure Pavia delivered a perfect ball to receiver AJ Newberry for a 28-yard TD connection.

Take a look:

Pavia has been excellent for Vanderbilt this season, and that might be underselling it. The Commodores QB is a true dual-threat player and has thrown for 13 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions while rushing for 537 yards and 4 touchdowns. He’s accumulated just under 2,000 total yards through the first 8 games of the season.

And he’s off to a good start against the Tigers, having completed 5 of his 10 passes for 103 yards and the above touchdown. Auburn has done a great job at limiting his effectiveness on the ground so far, though.

We’re in for a really competitive next 3 quarters from the Tigers and Commodores, who are both fighting to reach a bowl game. Vanderbilt will go to a bowl for the first time since 2018 if they win today’s matchup.