SEC QB likened to Nittany Lion icon Trace McSorley in upset of ex-Penn State football DC Brent Pry

Trace McSorley may be done making highlight-reel plays in college football, but his legacy continues to live on in Happy Valley and, apparently, Nashville, Tennessee. There, Vanderbilt transfer quarterback Diego Pavia is now drawing comparisons to the former Penn State football star after the Commodores’ overtime upset of ex-Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Brent Pry and Virginia Tech on Saturday.

The analogy started earlier last week when Brent Pry compared Pavia’s play style to that of McSorley from their shared time with the Penn State football program. That, says Pavia, turned into in-game trash-talking from the Virginia Tech defenders Saturday afternoon.

“Some people from over there called me a poor man’s Trace McSorley,” Pavia said after the game. “When you stop me, then you can talk.”

Diego Pavia said he was fueled today vs. Virginia Tech: “Some people from over there called me a poor man’s Trace McSorley. When you stop me, then you can talk.” pic.twitter.com/InWHxo0xCw

— Billy Derrick (@billyderrick10) August 31, 2024

Much like McSorley’s time with the Nittany Lions, Diego Pavia has proven to be a matchup problem and a gutsy leader throughout his college career. Pavia drew national attention last season at New Mexico State, where he led the Aggies to a 31-10 victory over Auburn inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Transferring to Vanderbilt this offseason, Pavia threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns on 12-16 passing against the Hokies. He also added 104 yards and a score on the ground over 26 carries.

Diego Pavia is a very fun football player! pic.twitter.com/T7gC1NvdvL

— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) August 31, 2024

Underdogs by 13.5 points coming into the game, Vanderbilt took down Brent Pry and Virginia Tech 34-27 in overtime. The win was the Commodores’ first against a major conference opponent since defeating Florida in 2022.

Across the sideline, the loss was a crushing way to start the year for Brent Pry, who some believe had Virginia Tech positioned for a dark-horse run at the ACC Championship Game. Now entering his third season in Blacksburg, Pry has led the Hokies to a 10-15 record overall.

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