New Mexico State QB Diego Pavia slams Auburn defender to ground, leads to fight

Auburn will be going for its fourth win in a row, facing off against New Mexico State at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Playing these types of nonconference games in November can usually cause uninspired energy from teams, especially with a game like the Iron Bowl coming up. But sometimes, all it takes is one play to get some pep in your step.

New Mexico State quarterback quarterback Diego Pavia may have provided that for Auburn late in the first quarter. After Pavia threw an interception, he was the one to make the tackle just around midfield. It was not your normal tackle though, being more of a body slam.

Nehemiah Pritchett was the one returning the interception and was suddenly thrown to the ground and stayed down. His Auburn teammates responded to the hit and were there for some extra pushing and shoving. A mini-fight broke out near the Auburn sideline as well.

You can check out the full moment here.

State champion wrestler Diego Pavia.

If a 5'9 QB does this to you, do you have to retire? pic.twitter.com/GW8aMiKVP4

— Colin Deaver (@ColinDeaverTV) November 18, 2023

Pritchett himself stayed down on the ground and actually was on the sideline for a good bit of time. Taking a big hit into the ground cannot feel good and maybe the defensive back just needed some time to get back. Eventually, he did step back onto the field and should be good to go the rest of the way for Auburn.

Auburn is down in the first quarter and is off to an incredibly slow start against an opponent many would consider inferior. Maybe having an altercation can get the juices flowing once again.

Hugh Freeze speaks on Auburn playing main rivals every season

Auburn has always faced the difficult challenge of playing Alabama and Georgia every year. The mountain became even tougher to climb once Kirby Smart got his team rolling. At one point, in the span of three weeks, the Tigers had to play against two teams vying for College Football Playoff spots.

For at least the 2024 season, the Iron Bowl and Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry will remain on the schedule for the same year. But once the SEC makes a scheduling change, Georgia could become an every-other-year opponent. Hugh Freeze would be disappointed if so, saying he enjoys the prospect of facing Auburn’s two biggest rivals annually.

“I’ve always welcomed the challenges of playing the likes of Alabama and Georgia,” Freeze said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. “I think that’s something that I really enjoy. I think our kids, hopefully, will take that same mentality.”