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Vanderbilt backup QB's mom tells Diego Pavia: 'Bunch of clowns running this football program'
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- Vanderbilt backup QB's mom tells Diego Pavia: 'Bunch of clowns running this football program'
A brief conversation between former Vanderbilt football quarterback Diego Pavia and Melanie Berlowitz, the mother of Commodores backup quarterback Blaze Berlowitz , went viral Oct. 10 after Melanie Berlowitz was heard on camera saying the football program was run by " a bunch of clowns ," though she did not mention the Commodores nor head coach Clark Lea by name.
Pavia ran into a group of people on Broadway on Oct. 9 that he identified as "Blaze's parents" while he was live streaming on Twitch.
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"I hate this circus," Melanie said to Pavia before asking him to "get me off camera."
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) looks to throw the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, on Oct 3, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) runs behind running back Sedrick Alexander (28) against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, on Oct 3, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws a jump pass into the end zone against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, on Oct 3, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
ATHENS, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 3: Blaze Berlowitz #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores rolls out to pass during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 3, 2026 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
(Todd Kirkland, Getty Images)
Oct 3, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) looks to throw the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
ATHENS, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 3: Blaze Berlowitz #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores rolls out to pass during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 3, 2026 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
(Todd Kirkland, Getty Images)
ATHENS, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 3: Blaze Berlowitz #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores is tackled by Gabe Harris Jr. #0 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium on October 3, 2026 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
(Todd Kirkland, Getty Images)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) fumbles the ball as Delaware linebacker Gavin Moul (35) grabs his ankle during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(Andrew Nelles, The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) fumbles the ball as Delaware linebacker Gavin Moul (35) grabs his ankle during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) fumbles the ball as Delaware linebacker Gavin Moul (35) grabs his ankle during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) scrambles from a Austin Peay defender during their game at FirstBank Stadium at Vanderbilt University Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) celebrates his running touchdown against Austin Peay during their game at FirstBank Stadium at Vanderbilt University Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) celebrates his running touchdown against Austin Peay during their game at FirstBank Stadium at Vanderbilt University Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during preseason practice at the school’s indoor facility Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz goes through drills at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) and quarterback Diego Pavia (2) take a moment before their game against Kentucky at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) warms uo before a game against Utah State at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) runs in a touchdown past Georgia State linebacker Brent Washington (36) during the fourth quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) is stopped by Georgia State linebacker Josiah Robinson (25) during the third quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) winds up to throw the ball against Georgia State during the third quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) runs the ball past Georgia State safety Jaylen Jones (23) during the third quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) runs in a touchdown past Georgia State linebacker Brent Washington (36) during the fourth quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) and quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) pray before a game against Georgia State at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) takes the field in place of Diego Pavia during their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) throws against Charleston Southern during their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) sets himself up to pitch the ball during early morning practice at Vanderbilt University practice field in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.f
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) runs during the Vanderbilt Football Black and Gold Spring Game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 12, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) throws during the Vanderbilt Football Black and Gold Spring Game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 12, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt quarterbacks Blaze Berlowitz (19) and Diego Pavia (2) talk before the Vanderbilt Football Black and Gold Spring Game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 12, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
Vanderbilt safety CJ Heard (8) brings down Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) during the Vanderbilt Football Black and Gold Spring Game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 12, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
Nov 2, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) celebrates with fans after the Commodores beat the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed-Imagn Images)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) looks to throw the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, on Oct 3, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) looks to throw the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, on Oct 3, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) runs behind running back Sedrick Alexander (28) against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, on Oct 3, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws a jump pass into the end zone against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, on Oct 3, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
ATHENS, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 3: Blaze Berlowitz #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores rolls out to pass during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 3, 2026 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
(Todd Kirkland, Getty Images)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Oct 3, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) looks to throw the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
ATHENS, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 3: Blaze Berlowitz #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores rolls out to pass during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 3, 2026 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
(Todd Kirkland, Getty Images)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
ATHENS, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 3: Blaze Berlowitz #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores is tackled by Gabe Harris Jr. #0 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium on October 3, 2026 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
(Todd Kirkland, Getty Images)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) fumbles the ball as Delaware linebacker Gavin Moul (35) grabs his ankle during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(Andrew Nelles, The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) fumbles the ball as Delaware linebacker Gavin Moul (35) grabs his ankle during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) fumbles the ball as Delaware linebacker Gavin Moul (35) grabs his ankle during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) scrambles from a Austin Peay defender during their game at FirstBank Stadium at Vanderbilt University Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) celebrates his running touchdown against Austin Peay during their game at FirstBank Stadium at Vanderbilt University Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) celebrates his running touchdown against Austin Peay during their game at FirstBank Stadium at Vanderbilt University Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during preseason practice at the school’s indoor facility Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz goes through drills at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) and quarterback Diego Pavia (2) take a moment before their game against Kentucky at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) warms uo before a game against Utah State at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) runs in a touchdown past Georgia State linebacker Brent Washington (36) during the fourth quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) is stopped by Georgia State linebacker Josiah Robinson (25) during the third quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) winds up to throw the ball against Georgia State during the third quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) runs the ball past Georgia State safety Jaylen Jones (23) during the third quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) runs in a touchdown past Georgia State linebacker Brent Washington (36) during the fourth quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) and quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) pray before a game against Georgia State at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) takes the field in place of Diego Pavia during their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) throws against Charleston Southern during their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) sets himself up to pitch the ball during early morning practice at Vanderbilt University practice field in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.f
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) runs during the Vanderbilt Football Black and Gold Spring Game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 12, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) throws during the Vanderbilt Football Black and Gold Spring Game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 12, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterbacks Blaze Berlowitz (19) and Diego Pavia (2) talk before the Vanderbilt Football Black and Gold Spring Game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 12, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt safety CJ Heard (8) brings down Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) during the Vanderbilt Football Black and Gold Spring Game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 12, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Nov 2, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) celebrates with fans after the Commodores beat the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed-Imagn Images)
She called the scene on Broadway a "circus," then turned her focus, seemingly, to the Commodores.
"It's a (expletive) circus," she said. "A bunch of clowns running this football program."
A Vanderbilt spokesman referred all comments to Laura Topp, associate director for communications and direct contact for Vanderbilt football. Emails asking for comment were not returned.
Pavia then promptly said his goodbyes to the Berlowitz party and told them he'd see them at the Vanderbilt vs. No. 11 Ole Miss game on Oct. 10. Pavia was shown on TV on the Vanderbilt sideline at FirstBank Stadium during that game. Vanderbilt (3-3, 0-3 SEC) lost 52-17 to Ole Miss (4-1, 2-1).
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Blake Berlowitz, who played some at receiver in previous games after Curtis took the starting job, was 2-for-5 for 18 yards in mop-up time against Ole Miss.
The full Twitch stream, which is three hours long, can be seen here .
What is the connection between Blaze Berlowitz's mom and Diego Pavia?
Blaze Berlowitz and Pavia were teammates at New Mexico State before both joined the Commodores.
Berlowitz began this season as the Commodores' starting quarterback before losing the job to freshman Jared Curtis , whom he replaced vs. Georgia last week because Curtis was injured.
What did Diego Pavia say about Alabama during his live stream?
At one point during the live stream, Pavia, at the request of a woman, yelled "(expletive) 'Bama!" in what appeared to be a video she was recording.
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Contributing: Tom Kreager
Paul Skrbina is a sports enterprise reporter covering the Predators, Titans, Nashville SC, local colleges and local sports for The Tennessean. Reach him at pskrbina@tennessean.com and on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) @paulskrbina .
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt backup QB's mom tells Diego Pavia: 'Bunch of clowns running this football program'
