Defensive coordinator Brad White, right, and defensive line coach Anwar Stewart have to find a way to slow down the potent Vanderbilt offense this week. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has been one of the nation’s best and most dynamic players this season while leading Vandy to an 8-2 record going into Saturday’s game with Kentucky.
Pavia has completed 191 of 273 passes — a 70 percent mark — for 2,440 yards and 21 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He’s also rushed for 613 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 5.2 yards per run.
However, Kentucky coach Mark Stoops certainly appreciates the role tight end Eli Stowers has and what he’s done to help the Commodores average 38.3 points per game. Stowers has 51 catches for 669 yards — 13.1 yards per catch — and four touchdowns.
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“Eli is the best, I would think, I haven’t seen them all, but arguably the best tight end in the game,” Stoops said. “This year he’s a guy that makes tough catches, and again, is very unselfish.
“They have playmakers across the board, but when the game is on the line or a critical play, he’s a good target because he’s very reliable and he’s a tough matchup.”
Stowers’ physical prowess puts extra pressure on any defense and Stoops knows that will be the case for UK’s defense Saturday.
“We have to play our rules and you have to win one-on-ones. He’s a guy that has the length, he has the body control. Diego throws it in good spots for him so he can body you out, but you have to try and win,” Stoops said. “You can’t necessarily always put two on him or things like that. You have to play within the system and play your rules and you have to make competitive plays.”
Pavia also puts plenty of pressure on the defense with his passing, running and high football IQ.
“It puts great pressure on the defense, and it doesn’t matter what defense it is. It doesn’t matter who you are, any of it. He makes plays, and he does it in every game he plays in,” Stoops said. “For us, great team defense, of course. He’s going to make some plays. We just have to make ours as well.
“Diego Pavia, can’t say enough good things about that young man. He is one heck of a ballplayer, is tough as nails, and makes plays when he has to. It will be a great challenge, but once again, for us, as I’ve said each and every week throughout this season, it’s about us. It’s about our preparation. Continue to build on the good things and get better each and every week.”
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SEC Network’s SEC Nation will be in Nashville Saturday. The show will be live from 10 a.m.-noon EST on SEC Network Laura Rutledge hosts SEC Nation, her ninth season in the host’s chair and her 10th on the show overall, joined by Paul Finebaum, Roman Harper, Jordan Rodgers and Tim Tebow to break down SEC football.
Marty & McGee will be live on Saturday morning from 9-10 a.m. EST with Marty Smith and Ryan McGee.
One Response
I hate to say this but the Cats have never been able to stop a mobile "baller" QB.