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Johnny Manziel surprises Diego Pavia on ESPN amid comparisons after Alabama upset

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh10/09/24

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JihaadCampbellVU
Oct 5, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) passes the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has been the star of college football since Saturday. Upsetting Alabama is a big deal and Pavia has been the sport’s main discussion. Some people have even drawn comparisons to former Texas A&M QB and Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel.

To this point, Manziel and Pavia had not met or spoken to one another. ESPN changed that, surprising Pavia with an appearance from Manziel during an interview on Wednesday’s episode of College Football Live. A cool moment for everyone involved.

“What an awesome game, so fun to watch,” Manziel said. “Couldn’t be happier for you. Sitting there and watching the whole thing play out has to feel like 2012 for me. But appreciate you showing me a lot of love, hope I get the chance to come on here and show you the same thing.”

Neither of the wins over Alabama by Texas A&M or Vanderbilt will be forgotten anytime soon. The Crimson Tide were ranked No. 1 in both contests but Manziel got the job done in Tuscaloosa instead of at home. Maybe slight advantage towards him.

Pavia made sure to invite Manziel to Nashville, calling the Vanderbilt program “electric.” Although Texas A&M does not play there this season, a trip could be sorted out in the near future to get a first-hand look at what Pavia can bring to the table.

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Before Manziel hopped on the interview, Pavia was asked for his view on the comparison. Former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley was the comp earlier in the season but Pavia has made clear his game is modeled after Manziel.

“Electric” was used against by the Vanderbilt quarterback, believing they bring a special element to the game.

“I think we bring the same electric mentality to the football game, to the football field. We both are big believers in ourself. I haven’t gotten the chance to talk to Johnny but we’re both wired different. We’ll do whatever it takes to win. I feel like we have a lot of the same playstyle.”