Vanderbilt achieves something for the first time in 11 years with Birmingham Bowl Win

Vanderbilt fans knew what was at stake in their Birmingham Bowl game against Georgia Tech.

Yes, that trophy was up for grabs along with a little-known silver-plated cowbell awarded to the winner of the games between these two programs that has the winning team’s name and the contest’s score on it, but it was something else that was really seen from this team.

With a win on Dec. 27, the Commodores would lock up their first winning season in 11 years.

Not many analysts believed Vanderbilt could pull off the multiple-pick feat that went in Georgia Tech’s favor, but after a tightly contested first half, the Commodores were able to reign supreme with a 35-27 victory.

Diego Pavia was once again the difference for Vanderbilt.

The star quarterback accounted for all five touchdowns the offense scored, finishing with 160 yards passing and three scores through the air, while also adding 85 more yards and two touchdowns on the ground before kneeling downs.

Performing at his best when the stakes are highest has been a staple of his tenure in Nashville.

While the Yellow Jackets were without some of their best players – namely star wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. – because of the transfer portal, the Commodores were still able to have a good performance on defense, which was also a major reason why they were able to pull off this win.

Vanderbilt struck first with a touchdown after a long drive, only for Georgia Tech to answer with a score of their own, but as the Commodores immediately struck back to take a 14-7 lead, that’s when the defense made its presence felt.

When the Yellow Jackets drove late in the first half to try to keep the game open, they kept Georgia Tech out of the end zone by holding them to a field goal.

And when Vanderbilt’s offense sputtered out of the locker room with two straight shots after the Yellow Jackets were able to kick another field goal to make it 14-13, the defense forced a three-and-out.

This change in momentum propelled the Commodores to score a much-needed touchdown.

But it wasn’t until the next possession, when senior safety CJ Taylor picked off a pass from Haynes King and returned it to Georgia Tech’s 11-yard line, that Vanderbilt was able to get the separation they needed to achieve their winning season.

Three plays after the interception, the Commodores scored another touchdown and didn’t look back.

After getting into the end zone, the defense forced a fumble to set up their offense for another scoring opportunity, something they capitalized on as Pavia ran for its second touchdown with just under 10 minutes remaining.

Unfortunately, Vanderbilt had to wait a while to celebrate this win because there was a weather delay for lightning in the area.

After an extended absence from the field, Georgia Tech capped their long drive with a touchdown and was able to score another after Vanderbilt punted, but it was too little, too late.

The Yellow Jackets attempted an onside kick, but it went out of bounds.

This is a huge win for this Vanderbilt program.

Not only does it cap the best season they’ve had in over a decade, but it’s the best they’ve had under head coach Clark Lea and signals they’re moving in the right direction under his leadership.

Now with Pavia back until 2025, the outlook is extremely bright for the Commodores next year.