Diego Pavia hits Heisman Trophy pose in Vanderbilt's win vs Tennessee

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is making his claim to be in New York City for the Heisman Trophy ceremony.

Pavia hit the Heisman pose after extending Vanderbilt's lead to 38-24 on a 24-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter vs. No. 18 Tennessee. The second-year transfer from New Mexico State eventually led the Commodores to a 45-24 road win vs. the Vols, securing the first 10-win season in program history.

Pavia finished the night 18 of 28 passing for 268 yards with a touchdown to two interceptions, along with 165 rushing yards and a score. He also broke Vanderbilt's single-season passing touchdowns record with his 27th of the season against the Vols.

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Vanderbilt has never had a Heisman Trophy finalist, but Pavia has a strong case to be the first Commodore to ever reach the ceremony. He entered the game with 2,924 passing yards and 26 touchdowns to six interceptions, also rushing for 661 yards with eight scores.

Pavia entered the final week of the regular season with the fourth-best odds at the award, according to BetMGM. He only trailed Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin to take home the hardware.

Vanderbilt's win over Tennessee is its best of the season, and concludes an unprecedented regular season finish for the program. The Commodores, ranked 14th in the most recent CFP top 25, still have an outside shot at a College Football Playoff, although it doesn't seem likely as of now.

Still, Pavia was a huge reason for Vanderbilt's success this season, and he staked his claim as one of the best players in college football in the process.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Diego Pavia hits Heisman Trophy pose in Vanderbilt's win vs Tennessee