Can Vanderbilt reach College Football Playoff? What Diego Pavia, Commodores need to do

If there was any question about Vanderbilt football being back, Saturday's performance against LSU put those to bed.

On Saturday in Nashville, the Commodores delivered a huge win over No. 10 over LSU, 31-24. Quarterback Diego Pavia threw for 186 yards and a touchdown and ran for 86 and two touchdowns as the Commodores improved to 6-1 for the first time since 1950.

Not many in the college football world thought that Vanderbilt was a legitimate College Football Playoff contender — especially after starting the season outside of the AP Top 25 — but through seven games, it's a real possibility. The Commodores' one loss is at No. 6 Alabama, one of the best teams in America.

After the win over the Tigers on Saturday, here's the road to the playoff for Clark Lea and co.

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Will Vanderbilt make the College Football Playoff?

The Commodores have clinched bowl eligibility for the second straight season after Saturday's win against LSU, and with one loss, the playoff is within reach. Vanderbilt currently sits at 6-1 with a 2-1 record in the SEC, essentially meaning they control their own destiny going forward.

In a loaded SEC, Vanderbilt has some more tough games, including vs. No. 16 Missouri and at No. 21 Texas the next two weeks. 

While some might give them an outside chance, all Pavia and Co. have to do is one simple thing: win.

Diego Pavia stats

The sixth year senior has turned into one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. Through seven games, he has thrown for 1,569 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has also ran for four TDs.

The quarterback won the 2024 SEC Newcomer of the Year in his first season with the Commodores, throwing for 2,293 yards and 20 touchdowns to only four interceptions. He added 800 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.

MORE: Diego Pavia transfer timeline

Vanderbilt 2025 schedule

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