In a press release put out on Thursday, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was named one of 10 finalists for the Manning Award, which goes to the best quarterback in college football as judged by the Sugar Bowl Committee.

As Vanderbilt sits at No. 14, Diego Pavia pushes back on the College Football Playoff rankings and defends the Commodores’ resume.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia wants to see the Commodores get a shot at the College Football Playoff (CFP) — and he’s willing to take his request all the way to the top. Pavia, 24, made a plea to President Donald Trump to expand the CFP after the playoff selection committee revealed its rankings on Tuesday,

Vanderbilt football coach Clark Lea told the Commodores to keep their bags packed in case the possibility arose of playing another game.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia joined SportsCenter on Thursday, where he was asked for his thoughts on the Commodores being ranked No. 14 in the latest College Football Playoff Rankings. It’s safe to say the Heisman Trophy candidate is not a fan.

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia called out politics as the Commodores, 10-2, face a likely CFP snub despite a historic season.

With a 45-24 win over Tennessee on Saturday, Pavia has led Vanderbilt to a 10-win season for the first time in school history. The No. 14 Commodores have often sat at the cellar of the SEC throughout their history, but on Saturday, they closed out the regular season at 10-2 by defeating their in-state rival.

That's only the start of the list of quarterbacks who fell short of lofty expectations. Others include Florida's DJ Lagway, Boise State's Maddux Madsen, Iowa State's Rocco Becht and Kansas State's Avery Johnson. And when you factor in projected stars who missed significant time with injuries, the list grows even longer.

Pavia and Mendoza are two of the best players in college football this season. That influence goes far beyond the field.