"He's one of the most competitive players I've competed against": Steve Sarkisian calls Diego Pavia 'tip of the spear' before SEC clash vs. Vandy

Steve Sarkisian's No. 20 Texas Longhorns (6-2) will face the No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores (7-1) in Week 10 of the 2025 season on Saturday. The matchup between the two Southeastern Conference teams will kick off at noon ET from Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.

Ahead of the Texas-Vanderbilt clash, Longhorns coach Sarkisian has heaped praise on his opponents. He also referred to Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia as the "tip of the spear" for Vandy's offense.

"Obviously, the QB (Pavia) is the tip of the spear," Sarkisian said on Monday. "He's one of the more competitive players I've competed against; he's their leading rusher. He obviously passes the ball; he makes plays at critical moments when they need to have it. All the praise that he's getting is well deserved."

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Steve Sarkisian on Diego Pavia: "Obviously the QB is the tip of the spear. He's one of the more competitive players I've competed against. He's their leading rusher. He obviously passes the ball. He makes plays at critical moments when they need to have it. All the praise that

Pavia has been one of the top QBs at the collegiate level this season. The Vanderbilt star has completed 139 of 202 passes for 1,698 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also rushed for 458 yards and five TDs.

The Commodores' only loss of the season came against No. 4 Alabama. However, Vanderbilt is off to its best start to a season since 1941, and Pavia has been a critical part of the team's success.

Steve Sarkisian offers update on Texas QB Arch Manning ahead of Week 10 clash vs. Vanderbilt

NCAA Football: Texas Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian - Source: Imagn

Steve Sarkisian's Texas will be sweating on Arch Manning's fitness ahead of its matchup against Vanderbilt. On Monday, Sarkisian offered an update on Manning, who suffered a concussion on the first snap of overtime in the Longhorns’ 45-38 win against Mississippi State last Saturday.

“He did not (practice),” Sarkisian said of Manning. “He’s in (concussion) protocol right now. We’ll have more information as the week goes.”

Manning has recorded 1,795 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, six interceptions and six rushing TDs for the Longhorns this season.