Vanderbilt rallies in fourth quarter to beat Ball State 24-14
- The Vanderbilt Commodores secured a comeback victory against Ball State with a final score of 24-14 on Saturday at FirstBank Stadium.
- Diego Pavia played a crucial role in the game, completing 17 of 31 passes for 275 yards and rushing for 82 yards, including a pivotal fourth-quarter touchdown.
- The win increased Vanderbilt's record to 5-2, showing their offensive strength despite a slow start against a defense known to give up significant yardage.
The Vanderbilt Commodores, playing at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, faced off against the Ball State Cardinals on Saturday night, coming away with a 24-14 victory. The Commodores struggled initially, with their offense stalled multiple times by Ball State's defense. They were only able to score field goals early in the game, with Brock Taylor connecting on two attempts. Despite this slow offensive start, Vanderbilt managed to put together a scoring drive late in the second quarter, highlighted by a 41-yard touchdown pass from Diego Pavia to Stowe, giving them a 14-7 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, the momentum shifted when Ball State tied the game with a touchdown. However, Pavia showcased his talents in the fourth quarter by not only passing effectively but also rushing for crucial yards. With his 38-yard field goal giving Vanderbilt a lead, he then scored a 5-yard touchdown on a quarterback keeper, sealing the victory for the Commodores. This game was significant for Vanderbilt as it demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity and execute under pressure. With a total of 422 offensive yards, Vanderbilt's performance was impressive, especially against a Ball State defense allowing over 500 yards per game on average. Looking forward, Vanderbilt is set to face No. 1 Texas next week in what will be a challenging matchup, while Ball State hopes to regroup against Northern Illinois.