Iowa later scored on its opening possession after Vanderbilt failed to capitalize on a three-and-out opportunity. The whiff sack attempt was the beginning of what was a long day for the Vanderbilt defense in its 34-27 ReliaQuest Bowl loss against the Hawkeyes.

Vanderbilt Commodores star quarterback Diego Pavia came up short in his pursuit of a bowl game win as his lawsuit against the NCAA has ramped up.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia led a furious rally en route to 24 second-half points, but the Commodores eventually fell 34-27 to Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Wednesday from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa,

As Lea boarded the passengers’ seat of a golf cart driven by a ReliaQuest Bowl official, allowed his youngest son to plop down in his lap and kept his composure as the driver stopped momentarily after initially speeding up, he was likely thinking all about what had just happened.

Diego Pavia re-iterated after the 34-27 Vanderbilt loss to Iowa on Dec. 31 that he is declaring for the NFL draft. Eli Stowers already opted out of the bowl game and declared for the draft.

A five-yard penalty and loss of down gave Iowa the ball at Vanderbilt's 10-yard line. One play later, a 7-3 game was 14-3.

The Commodores’ first half offensive struggles against Iowa underscored Stowers’ irreplaceable role in Tim Beck’s offense.