Diego Pavia's lawsuit against the NCAA takes specific issue with the limitations put on former junior college players like him. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) (Michael Chang via Getty Images)
Vanderbilt couldn’t have scripted a better start to 2025. At 3-0 and coming off a program-shaking 31–7 road win over No. 11 South Carolina, the Commodores return home this Saturday to host Georgia State in what feels like a pivotal early-season moment.
Clark Lea’s team enters the matchup ranked No. 20 in the AP Poll, its highest mark since 2008. The Dores have done it behind a defense that ranks 18th nationally in total yards allowed (237 per game) and an offense that’s spreading production across multiple backs and receivers. Graduate quarterback Diego Pavia has settled in as a steady hand, tossing seven touchdowns in three games while completing nearly 74 percent of his passes.
Storylines to Watch
- Revenge Factor: These two teams met last season in Atlanta, where Georgia State pulled off a late 36–32 upset. Pavia had 310 yards of total offense that night, including 270 through the air, but Vanderbilt’s defense couldn’t hold on. That loss is undoubtedly in the back of the players’ minds heading into Saturday.
- Turnovers Swinging Momentum: Vanderbilt forced four takeaways at South Carolina, the most since 2022. Zaylin Wood, Bryan Longwell, Bryce Cowan, and Randon Fontenette all made impact plays to seal the upset. If the defense continues forcing mistakes, it will be tough for Georgia State to hang around.
- Explosive Plays: The Dores already have a handful of 35+ yard touchdowns this year, highlighted by Jamezell Lassiter’s 44-yard run against South Carolina and Makhilyn Young’s 62-yard scamper at Virginia Tech. Georgia State’s defense has struggled with chunk plays, which could tilt the game quickly.
Key Players
- Vanderbilt: Diego Pavia (QB), Sedrick Alexander (RB), Eli Stowers (TE – 11 catches, 160 yards, 1 TD in three games), and Martel Hight (CB/return man, SEC leader in punt return average).
- Georgia State: The Panthers are 1-2 under second-year head coach Dell McGee. Their defense has shown flashes but will be severely tested by Vanderbilt’s balanced attack.
Bottom Line
Vanderbilt has every reason to feel confident. The defense is playing at a high level, Pavia has command of the offense, and the program is back in the national rankings for the first time in over a decade. Still, Georgia State proved last year it can hang with this group. If the Dores avoid turnovers and continue to generate explosive plays, they should have little trouble moving to 4-0 for the first time since 2017.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT at FirstBank Stadium, with coverage on ESPNU.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
