Vanderbilt defeats Georgia Tech in the Cure Bowl

December 27, 2024 – the Vanderbilt Commodores defeated the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets 35 to 27 in the 2024 Birmingham Bowl.

The game was close in the first half with Vanderbilt holding a 14 to 10 lead over the Commodores.

Vanderbilt broke the game open in the second half with 21 points scored to just 3 points for the Yellow Jackets. Vanderbilt leaped out to a 35 to 13 lead with 7:17 left to play in the fourth quarter when the game went into a lengthy rain delay. Georgia Tech scored 14 points when play resumed to make the game appear closer than it appeared.

Vanderbilt senior Quarterback Diego Pavia was the most valuable player of the game. Pavia had five touchdowns – two rushing and three passing in the win. Pavia had 13 catches on 21 attempts for 160 yards passing. Pavia was also Vanderbilt's leading rusher with 17 carries for 84 yards.

It appears that Pavia will be back for a sixth year of college football after a federal court found in favor of Pavia in his lawsuit against the NCAA arguing that his junior college experience with New Mexico Military Institute should not cost him any college eligibility. The decision will allow Pavia to return and make more NIL money.

Eli Stowers was Vanderbilt's leading receiver with 4 catches for 44 yards and a touchdown.

Jamal Haynes had 17 carries for 136 yards for Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King had 24 completions for 34 attempts, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception.

9,679 fans braved the rainy weather to attend the Birmingham Bowl game.

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