Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia gets asked if he's worried about getting hit late by Tennessee Vols defenders
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia was asked by a reporter on Tuesday if he's worried about getting hit late by Tennessee Vols defenders when the two teams meet in Nashville on Saturday. Last year's game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt got a little chippy due to Commodores quarterback AJ Swann taking some hits after the whistle. […]
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia was asked by a reporter on Tuesday if he's worried about getting hit late by Tennessee Vols defenders when the two teams meet in Nashville on Saturday.
Last year's game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt got a little chippy due to Commodores quarterback AJ Swann taking some hits after the whistle.
"You mentioned the fight broke out last year, that was because they (Tennessee) had some late hits on AJ Swann, are you expecting that again?" asked the reporter.
"I always expect people to come in, trying to get me late or something like that," responded Pavia. "But I got the bulldog mentality that I don't care what they do, I'll be here for it."
There's no doubt that Tennessee brings the physicality on defense. I don't think they're trying to play dirty by any means, but they're not afraid to be physical with the quarterback (it's kind of like that clip of Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby giving Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes a firm nudge after every play…it's just to get in the quarterback's head a little).
Pavia's a tough player. He won't be intimidated easily. The Vols' focus simply needs to be on containing the former New Mexico quarterback. All the extra stuff isn't necessary. If anything, it could get Pavia fired up, which is the last thing Tennessee should want in a must-win game.