Chris Marve details the challenge of preparing for Vanderbilt, Diego Pavia

An ACC-SEC nonconference contest will take place on Saturday in Nashville, with Virginia Tech traveling to face Vanderbilt. Playing a power conference opponent in the opener presents all kinds of challenges, especially for defensive coordinators. Chris Marve is no different, having nothing from this season to gameplan around.

“First games are always challenging,” Marve said during Tuesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “I think there is some overlap between the first game and a bowl game. Particularly one that’s later in the bowl season. Because there is a level of newness and novelty that you just have to plan for.”

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Vanderbilt did not make a bowl game last season, finishing the year with a 2-10 record. Their last game played was against Tennessee on the Saturday following Thanksgiving on Nov. 25.

Marve did play his college football at Vanderbilt, maybe keeping up with the program during the 2023 season. If not, everything thrown at Virginia Tech on Saturday could be completely new. Especially since Tim Beck is in his first year as the offensive coordinator.

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Defensive coordinators across college football will be going through the same pains, hoping to adjust on the fly.

Chris Marve has a ton of respect for Diego Pavia

Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea has not yet officially announced who the starting quarterback will be on Saturday. However, the expectation is for New Mexico State transfer Diego Pavia to take snaps for the Commodores.

Marve has a ton of respect for Pavia despite never facing him. Just from watching tape alone, the Virginia Tech defensive coordinator knows a challenge is ahead of his unit.

“When you look at the young man (Pavia) and the quarterbacks they have on their roster, I have a tremendous amount of respect for them,” Marve said. “You look at production, you look at ability. You talk about young men that know how to play football with grit, leadership. It jumps off the tape. So, we know we have a challenge in front of us and we’re excited.”

Pavia had a nice 2023 season with New Mexico State but is more well known for his performance against Auburn, leading the Aggies to a win in Jordan-Hare Stadium. The quarterback threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns on 19 of 28 passing.

Marve and Virginia Tech will have to be whatever Pavia throws their way, making for an entertaining Week 1 showdown.