In the world of college football, few teams have experienced the kind of drought that Vanderbilt has endured. With 10 straight losing seasons and a 101-year conference championship drought, the Commodores have been stuck in a rut. But coach Clark Lea is determined to change that narrative.
Lea’s journey began with a realization – that the team’s past was holding them back. He wanted to erase the memories of their struggles and create a new identity for the Commodores. And what better way to do that than by pulling off a stunning upset over the number one team in the country, Alabama?
The Commodores’ 40-35 victory over the Crimson Tide was no fluke. They dominated the game, scoring the first 13 points and never trailing. It was a testament to Lea’s vision and the team’s hard work.
But Lea’s turnaround plan didn’t start with the Alabama game. It began in December, when he was dealing with the aftermath of a 2-10 season. He knew he needed to make changes, and that’s when he discovered the blueprint for success – New Mexico State’s upset over Auburn.
Lea was fascinated by the Aggies’ game plan and studied it intensely. He saw a team that was sound, solid, and simple, with a defense that could build stops and limit big plays. He was impressed by their offense, which played tough and together, using multiple formations and personnel groupings to create gaps.
Lea knew he needed to bring that same mentality to Vanderbilt, and that’s when he reached out to New Mexico State’s offensive coordinator, Tim Beck. Beck’s metrics checked all the boxes – game-control offense, red zone scoring, efficient running game, explosive plays in the passing game, and a quarterback-friendly system.
The hiring of Beck was just the beginning. Lea also brought in other New Mexico State assistants, including Ghaali Muhammad-Lankford, Melvin Rice, and Garrett Altman. And then, he landed the big fish – Jerry Kill, the Aggies’ former head coach.
Kill was initially hesitant to return to coaching, but Lea’s sincerity and calm demeanor won him over. Kill saw an opportunity to help build a program from the ground up and to mentor Lea, who was younger and eager to learn.
The final piece of the puzzle was Diego Pavia, the quarterback who led New Mexico State to an upset over Auburn. Pavia’s story is one of perseverance – he was overlooked by FBS and FCS schools due to his height, but he proved himself at New Mexico Military Institute and eventually earned a scholarship to New Mexico State.
When Kill retired, Pavia entered the transfer portal, and Lea knew he had to have him. Pavia committed to Vanderbilt, and his work ethic quickly won over his new teammates.
The Commodores’ upset over Alabama was just the beginning. They’ve got a newfound confidence and a sense of purpose. Lea believes that his team can achieve greatness, and he’s willing to put in the work to make it happen.
As the Commodores prepare to take on Kentucky on Saturday night, Lea knows that there’s still a long way to go. But he’s never been one to settle for mediocrity. He’s all-in on Vanderbilt’s turnaround, and he’s convinced that his team can achieve something special.
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