The SEC-Big Ten football debate regarding which conference has the better competition just got a bit more heated thanks to Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia.
Pavia has been making the rounds this offseason. His latest venture came as a guest on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast where he revealed why he chose to stay with the Commodores and what makes playing in the SEC different than anywhere else.
Pavia revealed he did have offers to join select Big Ten programs in the portal but declined after reviewing the league's grand scheme and what he would ultimately lose out on.
“You want to play with the best," Pavia said. "You don’t want to play with the Big Ten. You ignore those calls. You know that."
Pavia also took a dig at two schools, both still in the early stages amongst the conference's elite teams. One hired a new coach, whereas the other took his team to a bowl game and won.
“You’ve got to think about this, too," Pavia added. "The SEC is, like, nothing. Like, okay, the Big Ten, you have Ohio State, Oregon. The SEC, it’s like week after week. You’re going to get beat on. The Big Ten, you’re not gonna get beat on with the Purdues, Nebraskas."
Pavia has a point, but the Big Ten has had quite the football run lately. The last two national titles have come from the conference. Four or five teams may qualify for the College Football Playoff, plus bowl games are an expectation rather than a bonus.
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However, Pavia did admit one Big Ten player this past season impressed him. He's about to begin his rookie season with the New York Giants, for what it's worth.
"The best pass rushers are from the SEC, except, like, Abdul Carter," Pavia said.
Either way, Pavia will always have a soft spot for the SEC, leaving the Big Ten as second-fiddle after all.