It worked for Tommy Castellanos and Florida State, so Diego Pavia is hoping that it'll work for Vanderbilt, too.
The Commodores' cocky QB just poked the bear and called his shot against Alabama. After leading Vanderbilt to an upset win over Alabama in Nashville a season ago, Pavia believes his team is ready to do it again, this time in Tuscaloosa.
In an interview with On3's Chris Low, Pavia provided Alabama with bulletin board material, as if the Crimson Tide needed any extra motivation outside of avenging last season's disappointing defeat.
"I know we've got to bring it. That's for sure," Pavia said. "The crowd, I think, is going to be a big factor in the game. But we just gotta play within the white lines. If we do that, if we play our game, it won't be close."
Diego Pavia predicts a Vanderbilt blowout win over Alabama
That quote ought to ruffle some feathers in the Alabama locker room. It certainly already has with the fanbase.
Will it matter, though? Florida State's Castellanos gave Alabama plenty of bulletin board material in the preseason with chatter about Alabama not being who they used to be. He backed up his words by leading the Seminoles to a win in the season-opener.
Pavia has already proven he can beat Alabama. His arrogance has been just what the doctor ordered for a program that has been the whipping boy in the SEC. Vanderbilt is no longer rolling over - they are bringing the fight week-in and week-out.
Clark Lea probably would have preferred that Pavia kept his mouth shut, but he also understands that's not going to happen with him. He is who he is, and that's what makes him one of the top players in the country. And he - and that locker room - will believe they are the better team when they walk into Bryant-Denny on Saturday afternoon.
Pavia will look to draw inspiration from his idol, Johnny Manziel, who led Texas A&M to an upset of Alabama in Tuscaloosa 13 years ago. Manziel will be on the sidelines sporting a Pavia jersey to support his friend.
His presence will mean nothing to the outcome of the game. Pavia's words won't, either. When toe-meets-leather and the gates are locked, we'll see which team is better.
We'll see if Alabama can make an opposing player eat their words or not.
There should be no response from the Alabama locker room. No talk of disrespect being addressed like before the FSU game. Right now, Alabama has to let its play do the talking.