Join Grant Gurtin on ZenGame as he delves into the journeys of college quarterbacks Eli Stowers and Diego Pavia. Eli shares his transition from Texas A&M to Vanderbilt and the challenges of playing in the SEC, while Diego narrates his inspiring rise from a walk-on to a starting quarterback and his breakout game against Liberty. The two discuss their shared connection to New Mexico State and their decision to transfer to Vanderbilt, exploring the impact of coaching changes and team culture shifts. They reflect on their commitment to New Mexico State, embracing risks, and the importance of belief and team dynamics. The episode also honors a close friend's memory and looks forward to the season opener against Virginia Tech.

(0:00) Welcome to the Zen Game

(0:19) Eli Stowers' journey from Texas A&M to Vanderbilt

(2:12) Diego Pavia's rise from walk-on to starting quarterback

(5:09) Key moments in Diego's career and breakout game against Liberty

(8:01) Eli and Diego's shared connection to New Mexico State

(10:02) Building a bond and transferring to Vanderbilt

(20:39) Impact of coaching changes on team dynamics

(23:25) Embracing risks and shifting team culture at Vanderbilt

(25:31) Commitment to New Mexico State and future prospects

(28:41) Trust in Vanderbilt's coaching and team competition

(31:46) Playing in the SEC: Challenges and Anticipation

(36:06) Learning from upsets and the belief in any given Saturday

(40:26) Looking forward to the season opener against Virginia Tech

(42:13) Eli Stowers' high school achievements

(43:28) Assessing talent depth at New Mexico State

(44:09) Coach Kill's influence on the team

(45:06) Diego's hometown support and coping with losses

(46:22) Transitioning to Division I and team comfort

(49:01) Simplifying the game and the role of belief

(54:07) Honoring a close friend's memory